From: Gavin Stairs [stairs@stairs.on.ca]
Sent: December 9, 2008 3:27 AM
To: lpayette@nirb.ca
Cc: 'Strahl.C@parl.gc.ca'; 'DShewchuk@gov.nu.ca';
'Prentice.J@parl.gc.ca'
Subject: Beverly Calving Ground development:Uravan Garry Lake Project,
NIRB File 08EN037

I wish to register my strong opposition to further disruption of the Beverly Caribou Herd viability, particularly in the calving grounds which are affected under the development application cited above.  The herd has been reduced by the present level of industrial activity well past the alarm level, and it is clear that the herd is in danger.  The importance of this herd to local aboriginal populations would be hard to overstate.  The ecological significance is also immense.  The largest population of large ungulates in the whole region cannot die out without significant impact on the whole system.  The present application for development of mining activity right on the calving grounds and adjacent areas would probably be decisive in preventing the recovery of the herd.  It must be denied on this ground, to send a clear message that further pressure on this herd will not be accepted.

You will have received many letters far more authoritative than mine.  My interest in this matter is as a Canadian citizen and voter, and as a citizen of the Earth.  Human activity is being felt in many ways, both on the Beverly Calving Grounds and elsewhere.  Clearly industrial activity on the Barren Lands is of particular significance, especially during this time of climatic stress.  This is merely a particularly obvious example of an impact that must be avoided in order to mitigate the general results of our activity in environmentally significant and sensitive areas.  Please recognize this fact with effective action on behalf of all affected people and ecosystems, which encompass the whole world.

Gavin Stairs
525 Canterbury Road
London, Ontario
Canada   N6G 2N5

telephone: (519) 434-8555.
email: stairs@stairs.on.ca