Joint statement from Teslin Tlingit Council Naa Sháade Háni Eric Morris, Minister John Streicker and Minister Richard Mostyn on Win-Win Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation project

Chief Morris has issued the following statement:

“We are pleased to announce that Polar Knowledge Canada will be funding the Teslin Tlingit Council led three-year research project, Win-Win Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation. This project North of Teslin will provide fuel wood, saw logs and biomass for the community, as well as mitigate wildfire risk by reducing the amount of flammable forest fuels. We will be working with Yukon government departments and the Yukon University to implement the Teslin North Timber Harvest Plan and the Wildfire Protection Plan while also conducting community driven research on plants species that are less flammable and plants of interest to the people of Teslin.”

Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker has issued the following statement:

“The environment is changing, and we know that we must continue to adapt and at the same time reduce our emissions. That is why we are happy to see that Polar Knowledge Canada has committed funding to the Teslin Tlingit Council Win-Win Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation project. This initiative will help create a natural firebreak by reducing the amount of flammable forest fuels, while providing wood supply for the community. This is significant both in terms of protecting the region as well as supporting sustainable energy displacing fossil fuels. Our government is proud to support the Teslin Tlingit Council with this initiative through Forest Management and Wildland Fire Management branches alongside Yukon University.”

Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn has issued the following statement:

“Changing conditions and climate change are putting significant pressures on communities to prevent and mitigate the threat of wildfire. We congratulate the Teslin Tlingit Council on their use of Polar Knowledge Canada funding to put into action the Community Wildfire Protection Plan they developed last winter with the Village of Teslin and our Wildland Fire Management branch. Teslin’s wildfire protection plan – the first community plan completed in the territory – is a roadmap for reducing wildfire risk and our government is pleased to play a role in supporting Teslin’s protection.”