Regarding ATV management, here is an important question: Going into the coming consultations what is going to be the priority and what is going to be our mindset?
We were recently honoured to be invited to give a presentation to the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board and afterwards, the chairperson, Harvey Jessup spoke very eloquently to us about their focus of concern which is the protection of habitat and wildlife.
We listened carefully because in the coming ATV management consultations - if we start the conversation with protected habitat and wildlife being the first priority - that conversation is likely to end well with reasonable and sensible solutions that benefit our wilderness and ultimately our children and ourselves.
If, on the other hand, the conversation and mindset begins with me and my machine being the first priority - that conversation may not result in the wise stewardship of wildlife, habitat and the wilderness that we all hope for.
So, I think it would be wise to listen to the admonition from the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board on this one - habitat and wildlife protection comes first.
Vern Peters, Ken Taylor, Philip Merchant, Peter Harms, Tony Grabowski, Ellen Johnson,
Manfred Hoefs
Trails Only Yukon Association