The Ross River Kaska are moving forward with plans for a plant nursery and greenhouse in the region. The project will explore the need for silviculture, agriculture and reclamation work in the Kaska territory with the hope to provide multiple benefits in the region.
Amongst Kaska citizens, local mining companies and regulators, there is a keen interest to use traditional and local knowledge in reclamation and revegetation efforts in the area. In addition to environmental benefits, the project envisions many socio-economic advantages, including employment and economic opportunities, building human resources, relationships and expertise with the local community, and to connect communities through engagement and new opportunities.
The plant nursery hopes to focus on the production of native species seeds and seedlings for re-vegetation. Using native species can have many advantages over non-native species as previously disturbed sites have a better chance of being restored to their pre-disturbance condition. The study also explores food crop potential and could produce high-quality local foods, benefiting the community who often rely on foods transported over vast distances.
Larry Bagnell, Yukon's Member of Parliament said n a statement, "In order to develop and grow strong local economies we need to listen to local voices and knowledge. This is why CanNor is supporting Dena Cho Environmental and Remediation Inc. and their work in growing native plants to use on remediation sites. This project is an example of traditional knowledge solving local challenges and contributes to a diversified and sustainable Northern economy."
Partners in this project include Dena Cho Environmental and Remediation Inc., Keefer Ecological Services, BMC Minerals Ltd, and the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency.