Yukon environmental groups rally ahead of Peel appeal

​Opponents of the Yukon government's plan for the Peel River Watershed offered a twist on an old folk song Wednesday, singing "Let the river be unbroken" during a rally ahead of a major court battle next week.

The Yukon Court of Appeal is set to hear arguments over the territorial government's management plan for the Peel starting August 20. The Yukon government filed for an appeal in December after the Yukon Supreme Court struck down its controversial land use plan. 

Katharine Sandiford was among those attending a noonhour rally at the Whitehorse waterfront Wednesday. 

"It's important because it should be protected," she said. "The plan says it should be protected. And we're here to raise spirits about the appeal process which is happening and raise confidence that it will all work out the way it should."

Sandiford said she's opposed to opening the Peel up to development because she's worried about what kind of planet her children will inherit. "It's extra important to preserve these last, pristine wild places because there will be so few left at the rate that we're chomping through it."

Deb Higgins says she wants to see the Peel protected because it's a unique place."I've been there myself to paddle the Snake River and it's such an unbelievably beautiful place. That's partly why I'm here."

Some younger people attended the rally. "I believe it's a good cause to support," said Joe Parker. "I just wanted to come check it out." 

"I think it definitely needs to be protected, for sure," said Julia Frashier. "To preserve the beauty of the Yukon." 

Children were involved in art such as dipping hands in paint for a large banner. "It's great to get the kids involved. Give them a sense of taking some ownership, having a voice, and standing up for what they believe in," Higgins said.

The Peel Watershed appeal hearing is scheduled for the Yukon Law Courts on August 20 and 21.