From: Mary Lou van Schaik [mlvs@wakenet.ca]
Sent: December 5, 2008 12:46 PM
To: lpayette@nirb.ca
Subject: Uravan Garry Lake Project, Caribou Calving Grounds
Regarding Uravan Garry Lake Project, NIRB File 08EN037

Dear Nunavut Impact Review Board,

I am writing to ask NIRB to deny the plans of Uravan Minerals Inc. for mineral development on the calving grounds of the Beverly caribou.  My understanding is that the Beverly caribou population has been in sharp decline over the past decade, with evidence pointing to nearly 98% decline in caribou cows on the calving grounds.  Allowing development on the calving grounds would harm the caribou even more, and create conditions under which the re-establishment of the herd would be next to impossible.  

Furthermore, I have learned that other major mining companies, such as De Beers, Areva and Cameco, have announced that they will stop activities on Nunvut caribou calving grounds because of the implications to the herds.

Please consider not only the fate of the caribou on the Beverly caribou grounds, but also the implications of the potential loss of the herd to Northerners, and to Canadians' natural heritage.  

Sincerely,

Mary Lou van Schaik
mlvs@wakenet.ca