From: Jordan Coffed [jcof0909@brockport.edu]
Sent: December 11, 2008 10:17 AM
To: lpayette@nirb.ca
Cc: Strahl.C@parl.gc.ca; Prentica.J@parl.gc.ca; DShewchuk@gov.nu.ca
Subject: Uravan Garry Lake Project, NIRB File 08EN037

Dear Nunavut Impact Review Board,

In light of the newest request by Uravan Minerals to establish a uranium mineral development, I have become quite concerned about a variety of possible ecological consequences in this environment that could result from its acceptance.  If Uravan’s request for property rights is accepted, I can confidently state that the Beverly Barrenground caribou herd will be completely wiped out.

As I am sure that you well know, the Beverly-Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board has recently released the results of aerial surveys of the area.  In these surveys, it has been confirmed that the Beverly caribou herd is currently experiencing a time of drastically declining numbers.  The cause of this is not exactly known, but scientists hypothesize that it is the result of long-term, natural cycles and that the herd will hopefully rebound in the near to moderate future.  Even so, the current numbers are quite catastrophic, decreasing as much as 98% since a census of the herd was last taken in the early 1990s (numbers were found around 276,000).  Numbers do not look like they will increase rapidly in the near future either, as the number of calves per 100 cows is approximately one-fifth of the “normal.” 

In sum, I ask that you decline Uravan Minerals’ request for property rights to the Beverly area, as it will surely complete the eradication of the Beverly caribou herd.  Please protect the calving grounds in the NWT and Nunavut.  Send a signal to the mining industry that you will not advocate the establishment of mineral developments on calving grounds!  By not doing so, you will essentially tell these companies that caribou populations are unimportant to the ecosystem and to the people that inhabit the area.  

Please give due consideration to my request.  The Beverly ecosystem will benefit from your acceptance, as will many who currently benefit from its resources.

Jordan Coffed
Biology student at the College at Brockport