From: Robert Perkins [loonrp@wildblue.net]
Sent: December 12, 2008 10:02 AM
To: lpayette@nirb.ca
Cc: alex@canoearctic.com
Subject: Ungava Garry Lake Project, NIRB file 08EN037






To whom it may concern, 


Since the early 1970s, I have been a frequent visitor to the tundra area around Garry Lakes, and north of there where the Beverly herd calves. I am a solo canoeist, a writer and filmmaker that has written about the north and made two documentary films centered on this area, both films for Channel 4 in England and PBS in the States. I've seen first hand the migrations of the caribou, in huge numbers. I was disheartened to hear of the dramatic decline in the herds' numbers and equally dismayed upon hearing of the proposed development plans for the area. The tundra is a delicate membrane, and one of the last wilderness areas of its kind left in the world. The caribou are one of the lands best representatives from the land to us, the human visitors. Their calving grounds are vital to their return in numbers, to become again a thriving part of the land. I hope the developers will re-consider there proposal to develop in this area. I hope the government will be a voice for this choice. 


The human family and its unbridled desire to provide for its own, at whatever cost to other living systems and animals, must stop. This is the 21st century. We know how important these eco-systems are to the health of the planet. They are what we can pass on to our children and our children's children, if we temper development. We could even create havens around places like the Garry Lakes, not only for caribou but for our own selves, if we choose. It will take vision to give up short term development for the longer gain of preservation. I would be glad to talk further with anyone  ab


Sincerely, Robert Perkins