From: andrewmc@island.net Sent: December 4, 2008 10:34 PM 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" The Nunavut Impact Review Board My name is Andrew MacPherson, I've been working as a Naturalist/Wildlife Guide in Canada's north on and off for the past 10yrs. During this time I've had the fortune of taking countless numbers of guests out to view the the Bathurst and Beverly-Qamanirjuaq migrations moving off the calving grounds while working with outfitters in Nunavut,the NWT and Manitoba. I've also been in the position to see the unfortunate changes happening in the north with regards to changes in migration routes as well as unexplained decreases in migration numbers. Should we be gambling at a time like this with our wildlife resources? It has been brought to my attention that the (NIRB) is presently considering an application from Uravan Minerals for development of their uranium property right on the calving grounds of the Beverly herd just south of Garry Lake (Back River). This proposal before the NIRB will be PRECEDENT SETTING. It is essential that the NIRB send a clear signal to the mining industry that mineral development on the calving grounds is out of the question. To do otherwise is to accept the decline of the caribou population as unimportant to people who depend on these animals, both physically and culturally. These caribou provide millions of dollars worth of meat annually to the residents and user-communities (Tourism included) in Nunavut, NWT, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Not protecting caribou also contradicts the broad desires of Canadians to see this iconic species and its habitat protected for future generations. While no one can state categorically that the decline in caribou numbers is a direct result of industrial activity, it can certainly be justly argued that their recovery will be rendered next to impossible if the most critical part of their habitat (the calving grounds) is taken over by industrial activity. I wish to let the NIRB know, they need to 'Deny' Uravan Mineral application until more research is done regarding the affects it might have on the calving grounds, a incredibly sensitive area. The minerals aren't going anywhere, but the caribou sure seem to be. More research and better care should be taken while dealing with issues we have little knowledge about, we don't want to learn from our mistakes when so much is at stake. Thankyou, Andrew MacPherson 398 Goward Rd Victoria BC Canada V9E-2J5 ---------------------------------------------------------------- This message was sent using IMP, the Internet Messaging Program.