Whitehorse Daily Star

Research forest plans get YESAB’s blessing

Yukon government plans to build more trails, install fencing, and expand parking and road networks at the Gunner Nilsson Mickey Lammers Research Forest are closer to fruition.

By Stephanie Waddell on August 15, 2017

Yukon government plans to build more trails, install fencing, and expand parking and road networks at the Gunner Nilsson Mickey Lammers Research Forest are closer to fruition.

Last week, the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board (YESAB) issued a recommendation that the proposal proceed.

A condition is that a heritage resources impact assessment be done before any work begins on the ground.

The 15-page document outlines the project for the approximately 250-hectare research forest. It sits at the Klondike Highway and Takhini Hot Springs Road.

Research – including both forest and farm research, with the territory’s experimental farm also on the site – remains the primary focus of the site.

There are also a number of educational and recreational activities offered there.

“Recreational activities in the research forest include walking, hiking, running, mountain biking, geocaching, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing,” the YESAB report notes.

“As well, there is a popular playground near the main parking lot at the property’s entrance.”

It’s anticipated the three-year project may result in temporary, minor disruptions for users.

It’s possible more development of the site could result in an increase in users.

That could lead to conflicts among various user groups, the report stated.

However, the risk of conflict is no greater than it is on any other trails in the city, it continues.

“The designated office (YESAB) expects any increased conflicts between recreational user groups as a result of the project to be minimal,” the report reads.

“It is worth noting that the purpose of the research forest is to promote research, education and recreation.

“Improving trails and facilities within the scope of the project will have beneficial effects to users who are looking for increased recreational opportunities.

“As well, the Government of Yukon Department of Tourism noted in their comment submission that improvements to the trails and facilities will benefit the Yukon tourism industry.

“The research forest is at the intersection of the highway and with the Hot Springs Road, which leads to many commercial and tourism operators; as such, its development adds to the recreational and tourism value of the area.”

YESAB officials recognized the potential increase in vehicles that could come to the North Klondike Highway and Hot Springs Road with more visitors.

“However, the designated office does not consider this potential increase in vehicles, combined with the potential increase caused by the developments at the research forest, to be of such large numbers that traffic issues are likely,” it’s noted.

“Otherwise, the designated office does not consider there to be other activities in the area that have caused, are causing, or will cause similar effects to recreationists who use the research forest.”

With no significant adverse effects, YESAB recommended the project go ahead with the condition that the heritage assessment be done.

The research forest has been in operation since 1964.

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