Protect the legacy of the Taku region

Locator Map

Because of its remote location, the Taku region doesn’t have a large constituency of people who know about it, and who are speaking out for it. We need to change that. A strong constituency speaking for its ecological and cultural value could persuade decision makers to recognize these values on the ground, and protect vast, interconnected regions of the Taku from industrial pressure.

The negotiations between the Provincial government and First Nations representatives are due to wrap up by the end of June.
This is our best opportunity to demonstrate public support for protecting the ecological and cultural intregrity of the Taku. They need to hear from you now.

Use this action centre to call on decision makers to put the ecological and cultural protection of the Taku at the forefront of the land use planning process.

Or edit the text below, and send a personalized message to the decision makers. With your help, something different can happen here.

Subject:

Your Letter:

The diverse ecosystems of northwest British Columbia’s Atlin-Taku region embody critical ecological and cultural values on a scale that is growing increasingly rare across the globe. With this letter, I call upon your governments to uphold these values and protect the integrity of this region through the Atlin-Taku land use plan.

The Atlin-Taku region encompasses rare, vast, and diverse landscapes, rich with habitat and heritage. This area has thrived for millennia under the stewardship of First Nations.

As the lifeblood of the region, the ecologically intact and virtually pristine Taku watershed is a critical stronghold for salmon and home to globally significant wildlife populations.

I am aware that the outcome of the ongoing land use planning process between British Columbia and the Taku River Tlingit will be hugely influential for the future of this region and so want to underline the value this region carries - with intact, interconnected ecosystems - for British Columbia, Canada, and the world.

With salmon fisheries in serious trouble elsewhere in the province, the importance of the Taku as vital habitat for all five Pacific salmon species is more apparent than ever. As climate change puts increasing pressure on wild species, large intact areas will be essential to species survival. This region is also a valuable carbon sink, a source of food, clean water, and medicine.

Economically the Atlin-Taku supports fishing, guide outfitting, recreation, tourism, research and other pursuits, all of which have significant growth potential and can be compatible with strong conservation. The Taku watershed also supports an international commercial, sport, and subsistence fishery worth millions of dollars annually, a resource that would be threatened by industrial development upstream.

The recent land use decision for Haida Gwaii demonstrates a promising shift in BC, toward recognizing diverse values on the land. I am calling on you for such visionary leadership in this decision, for an outcome that exceeds Haida-Gwaii in its commitment to cultural and ecological values. This is an incredible opportunity that will never come again. I am writing to express the need to rise to this occasion as global citizens and make our best decisions. And I am writing to inspire you, because something different can happen here.

Sincerely,

Gordon Campbell

Premier of British Columbia

Pat Bell

Minister of Forests and Range, Minister Responsible for ILMB

John Ward

Taku River Tlingit First Nation

Susan Carlick

Co-chair, Joint Land Forum

Kevin Kriese