Winter park services cut
Both the Chilkoot Trail National Historic Park and Kluane National Park have been affected by recent cutbacks.
The shelter at Bennett Lake will be locked and closed this winter. Firewood will not be available. People can still winter camp in the area as long as they have the appropriate gear, but should contact the park office in Whitehorse before doing so (667-3910).
The winter use schedule indicating motorized and non-motorized weekends is now posted on the Chilkoot Trail National Historic Park website.
Ski trails in the area will continue to be tracked by volunteers from the Log Cabin Ski Trail Society based in Skagway. These trails are outside of the park. For more information on their condition over the winter you can contact Tim Bourcey in Skagway at 907-983-3005.
There is a new representative for skiers on the Winter Users Group for the Chilkoot Trail. The local branch of the Alpine Club of Canada has agreed to take on this role. If skiers who use the area in the winter have any concerns related to the schedule or to any aspect of winter park use, they should contact the Alpine Club at www.accyukon.ca.
There will be no winter staff on the Chilkoot Trail. There are two national park wardens for the entire Yukon; both are based in Haines Junction. They will try and be present at Log Cabin on non-motorized weekends to ensure compliance.
Kluane National Park ski trails will not be tracked by park staff this winter. The shelter at Kathleen Lake will not be open, and there will be no winter camping at the campsite.Â
If you have any questions about either park, contact Anne Morin at 667-3910.
If you are concerned about this matter, contact your MLA and your MP.
Keith Lay
Whitehorse