From: Tim Farr [tim.farr@sympatico.ca]
Sent: December 8, 2008 5:58 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

Att: Nunavut Impact Review Board 

I would like to express in the strongest possible terms, my opposition to Uravan Mineral's application for mineral development (of uranium) on the calving grounds of the Beverly Caribou Herd   I read the recent Globe article which reports that this particular herd has decreased by 98% in the past 14 years.  Common sense tells me that their recovery will be all but impossible if the most critical part of their habitat (the calving grounds) is taken over by industrial activity.

The proposal before the NIRB is bound to set a precedent.  I urge the NIRB send a clear signal to 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 the local communities who depend on these animals, both physically and culturally.  Not protecting caribou habitat also contradicts the broad desires of Canadians to see this habitat protected for future generations.  The NIRB has a responsibility to protect caribou habitat and the legal means to achieve this objective through its decision-making.



Four years ago, I had the pleasure to canoe the Thelon River and to see this remarkable area in person.  It is inconceivable to me that a uranium mine would even be considered here, given the extraordinary natural beauty and unique environment of this area.   I urge the NIRB to deny Uravan’s application and send a strong message that such development is out of the question when the future of the Beverly Caribou Herd is so tenuous.  Wildlife conservation must take precedence -- now and in the future -- over mining interests.



Sincerely,



Tim Farr

124 Brighton Avenue

Ottawa, Ontario

K1S 0T4