Energy, Mines, and Resources

Overview

The Yukon is approximately 470,000 km2 ha in size and about 270,000 km2 is forested.  Of the forested land base less than 30 per cent or 81,000 km2 has tree cover that is of species or size that might support timber harvesting activities.  There are limited roads in the Yukon and most areas of the territory are relatively pristine.

First Nations' cultural, spiritual, social and economic well being is dependant on a healthy forest ecosystem. This view has resulted in a management approach that reflects nature’s patterns. First Nations believe that forest management is not for the forest, but rather for peoples' use of the forest. Gathering of food and the exercise of cultural practices are important uses of the forest land in the Yukon.

Backcountry recreation and adventure tourism use currently makes up the most activity on forest land.  The values associated with recreation in backcountry settings are currently the most visible non-First Nation land use value represented in the forests of the Yukon. 

Small farms and mining account for the greatest level of industrial land use.  Oil and gas exploration in the south east and far north are expected to increase.  These activities generally result in reductions in total forested land.  Currently the forest industry is comprised of small operators who cut small volumes of timber for building materials, log homes and fuel wood.

The Yukon has made a commitment to manage the forest as a fully functioning forest ecosystem that benefits all living things, while providing environmental, economic, social and cultural benefits for present and future generations.  To accomplish this and ensure the full range of interests, sensitivities and uses are considered and accommodated in forest management plans; three stages of forest planning are usually required.  These are discussed below.

The majority of merchantable forests are located south of the 61st parallel, which is consistent with the higher populated regions of the Yukon.  Within this zone the majority of forest is located in the vicinity of Watson Lake.  The forest north of 61 become more influenced by cold soils, poor drainage and aggressive fire regimes. North of 61 the majority of productive soils occur along major rivers and south facing slopes.

The productivity of the forest in the Yukon has played a considerable role in the development of forest plans and industry.  For example, an estimated harvest level in the south Yukon could exceed 300 000 m3/year compared to 5000 m3/year in northern areas.  Due to the economies of scale small industry, operators are sensitive to increases in operating costs.  Therefore, planning regimes often change to accommodate small industry development.  The need for flexibility in planning to meet the diverse industry demands across the Yukon will be difficult to maintain as we move into a more regulated forest practices and legislative framework. 

Regardless of scale, the development logic in the following table consistently applies to forest management planning and related decision making in the Yukon.