From: Paul vanPeenen [arcticpaddler@telus.net]
Sent: December 4, 2008 8:24 AM
To: lpayette@nirb.ca
Cc: Strahl.C@parl.gc.ca; Prentice.J@parl.gc.ca; DShewchuk@gov.nu.ca
Subject: Uravan Garry Lake Project, NIRB File 08EN037

Dear Leslie Payette,

I'm writing from Vancouver to voice my concern over a proposed uranium mining development on the calving grounds of the Beverly-Qamanirjuag caribou herd south of Gary Lake. Living in the south, most of us don't often think about what happens in the north. To most of us it's just that big part of Canada that is empty and barren. But I have had the privilege of travelling in the north and have had the pleasure of spending time with the people in many northern communities. I have also had the privilege of paddling down the length of the Back River, a trip I undertook in 1999. On that trip, my companions and I were very lucky to see thousands of caribou migrating through the Back River valley. This was a site to behold. It equalled any migration of animals in Africa that we see on television. Most people will never see this miracle of nature. I was very lucky.

There has been a significant decline in caribou numbers since that time and I am worried that the increase in mineral exploration in the north has contributed to the decline of all caribou herds, especially the Beverly-Qamanirjuaq herd. Development in the calving grounds is apparently one factor that has been detrimental to the health of the herd. Other herds are also under threat of development. The other one uppermost in my mind is the Bathurst caribou herd which is under great threat from development plans of a port in Bathurst Inlet and an all- weather road proposed to run right through to Contwoyto Lake, an area critical to the Bathurst herd.

I am planning to spend more time in Nunavut and the NWT this coming summer and I hope to see caribou herds crossing my path on the Thelon River. However, given the news that is coming out, I am not all that hopeful.

Please protect this last great tract of undeveloped land we have in the north and put a stop to mineral exploration in these critical areas where caribou give birth to their young. The impact is just too great and has long-lasting effects on both the land and its inhabitants. Some places just need to be left alone and remain free from human encroachment and industrial development. If we do this, perhaps future generations will have the privilege of seeing one of the world's greatest spectacles that is the Barren Lands caribou migration.

Thank you,

??

Paul vanPeenen

paulvanpeenen@telus.net
604.250.8111

665 E. 30th Avenue
Vancouver, BC
V5V 2V7