Who Are We?

Who are we?

  1. We are a broad-based coalition of Yukon people and organizations that is deeply concerned about the effects of the proliferation of ATV’s and their use in the wild lands of the Yukon.
  2. Many of us either own or have used ATV’s ourselves and recognize the right of owners and enthusiasts to use these machines in legitimate and sustainable ways, be it for hunting, work, wilderness exploration, or just plain recreational joy.
  3. We base all our efforts on the values of responsibility, wise stewardship and the desire to leave a legacy for the next generation of a pristine wilderness environment.

Our goals are:

  1. Designated ATV trails in the Yukon wilderness
  2. ATV legislation
  3. Effective enforcement
  4. Education

Specific concerns include:

  1. Damage to fragile alpine and wetlands
  2. Harassment, disturbance and displacement of wildlife
  3. Over-harvest in accessed areas
  4. Cutting of new trails

Solutions:

  1. Designated trails throughout the Yukon (similar to trails in Ruby Range by Kluane Lake)
  2. Elevation limitations
  3. Enactment of ATV legislation
  4. Effective enforcement
  5. Education including a number of components:
    1. making people aware of damage to wildlife and habitat presently occurring, through documentation, photographs, public information meetings, Facebook and a website
    2. presenting workable and sensible models from other jurisdictions
    3. focusing on what responsible use of ATV’s  looks like

Be an active participant:

  1. Become a member of TOYA
  2. Make a donation*
  3. Attend our bi-annual information/rally meetings in May and November
  4. Write an e-mail or letter to your MLA, Minister of Environment and the Premier
  5. Write a letter to local newspapers
  6. Document ATV damage or incidents and send a note to our e-mail address or website
  7. Take a picture of ATV habitat damage, record the location and send it to our website
  8. Involve your children – in a large part we’re doing this to ensure they can enjoy wilderness the way we have been able to. It is a great opportunity for them to see that young people can, as concerned citizens, change outcomes and make a difference.

* All monies from membership sales and donations are used for public education and advocacy