History of YCS
Since 1968, the Yukon Conservation Society has been advocating, educating, and conducting research on Yukon environmental issues. What started as a cadre of very active volunteers focusing on the Alaska Highway Pipeline has blossomed into a vibrant and diverse organization that works on mining, forestry, energy, and protected areas. This work includes extensive involvement in the development of public policy and legislation.
The Society works to encourage change that is sensitive to the uniquely fragile northern environment. Through a broad program of conservation education and input into public policy, the Society is actively striving to ensure the wise management of the Yukon’s natural resources.
The Yukon Conservation Society has worked toward maintaining healthy Yukon communities based on healthy land, water and wildlife. If you value rivers you can drink out of, hunting, fishing, berry-picking, and hiking, cycling, boating and skiing in real wilderness, we are working for you. We promote long term livelihoods that will keep you and your children here. We envision a Yukon forest industry based on local manufacturing, with logging that protects key habitats, and ensures that even cut blocks are used by wildlife. We’re working toward a placer mining industry that protects fish and fish habitat through zoning, best practices and effective reclamation. And for over 40 years we have provided education to Yukon people; you and your children are welcome to contact us for information or presentations, or join us for our free interpretive hikes every summer.
Since the early 1990s our volunteers have been supported by an Office Coordinator and Executive Director. Currently YCS also employs Forestry, Mining and Energy Coordinators.
The Raven Recycling Society was born out of our Recycling Committee. Our joint efforts have helped to create a composting and recycling program for Whitehorse, tougher beverage container legislation, and composting and recycling opportunities for some rural Yukon communities.
We work with Yukon First Nations, land claims bodies, stakeholders and communities on issues of mutual interest.
We have a reputation for providing quality educational experiences. Our northern climate change curriculum for grades K-12 is used throughout Canada for learning about the effects of climate change on northern environments. (www.climatechangenorth.ca)
For more than 25 years we have provided free interpretive hikes in the Whitehorse area to tourists and residents. We believe our trail guiding program is of vital importance to our conservation goals because when people have an understanding of and relationship with the natural environment, they are likely to make better decisions about its conservation.
YCS raises money for its work through membership fees, donations, fundraising events, foundation and government grants, contracts and project funding. An independent auditor reviews our books annually; this audit is available upon request.
