Open letter to MLA Brad Cathers:
My name is Bernard Briggs. I was born and raised in the Yukon.
I grew up out of town living a healthy, respectful lifestyle, which had minimal impact on the land and its resources.
To this day, I continue to live by these principles.
I find it really sad the degree that people have become disassociated with the land and the animals on it.
I believe that offroad vehicles, ATVs, Argos and jet boats all have a place, if used properly.
These are but one issue in a sea of many in the world right now. However, it is one that I believe that I can help make a difference on.
I see two major problems with the above noted type of vehicles. One being habitat mutilation, and two being disruption of natural movements and cycles for wildlife, such as movement between winter and summer ranges, lambing and calving areas and spawning beds and lake/river bed habitat.
I am an avid hunter and fisherman, I take wood from the forests to build and heat with, however, I believe that many people have forgotten conservation and respect while doing the above things.
When I am out hunting with my backpack and pack dog and I see Argos and quads running mountain sheep to a lather at over 4,000 feet elevation and, at the same time, ruining their feed, I have a problem with that.
I realize some elder people use these vehicles for access, but whether disabled, elder or just plain lazy and out of shape, none of us should have the right to ruin such a fragile place as the Yukon, that provides so much for us.
A compromise has to be made, elevation restrictions, trails only (approved routes) and education and respect taught amount outdoors people.
Conservation can mean hunting, fishing, logging, photography, hiking, camping, and trail riding, as long as they are done properly.
All user groups can make this work.
Bernard Briggs
Whitehorse