The Government of Yukon is launching the Yukon Conservation Fund, designed to support wildlife and habitat conservation projects, with an investment of $450,000.
The fund is a dedicated financial resource intended to support projects and activities related to the conservation and stewardship of wildlife and its habitat. The fund will empower local conservation initiatives and ensure long-term investment in the recovery and stewardship of the Yukon’s wildlife and lands.
The first step in launching the Yukon Conservation Fund is to establish an advisory committee. The aim of the committee is to bring together individuals with a range of experience to review project proposals and provide advice and recommendations to the Minister of Environment on funding priorities and conservation initiatives. The committee will ensure the fund is used to support initiatives that provide real benefit to local communities, governments and organizations across the Yukon.
The Government of Yukon welcomes Yukoners to apply to serve on the advisory committee. Information on how to apply is available through the Government of Yukon’s website at: yukon.ca/your-government/boards-and-committees/find-and-apply-board-or-committee.
Once an advisory committee is established, the Government of Yukon will share more information and timelines for applying for funding in the coming months.
Through the Yukon Conservation Fund, the Government of Yukon will support local conservation projects that help protect and strengthen the territory’s wildlife populations and habitats. These investments play an important role in ensuring Yukon communities can continue to benefit from a strong and healthy environment, while supporting long-term stewardship of the land and water.
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The Yukon Conservation Fund was originally established under the Yukon’s Wildlife Act in 2002, although limited funds have been disbursed to date. In 2022, the Conservation Fund Regulation was amended, allowing the fund to be directed for use by the Minister of Environment.
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Currently, the Yukon Conservation Fund collects revenue from the Department of Environment’s sealed bid pelt and hide auction, as well as fines directed by the court when there is a conviction under the Wildlife Act.
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There is just over $185,000 in the fund to date. Per Budget 2026, an additional $450,000 has also been allocated to the fund subject to legislative approval.
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This additional investment in the Yukon Conservation Fund will help the Government of Yukon make the fund operable over the next four years as the government works to identify additional streams of revenue to bolster the fund in the future.
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This is a multi-year initiative, and the current balance will be used over the coming years to fund successful projects. Each year, the Yukon Conservation Fund will allocate an estimated $150,000 among successful applicants.
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The Conservation Fund is established under the Wildlife Act to support projects and activities respecting conservation and management of wildlife and its habitat. Further details on eligibility requirements will be provided in the fund’s application guidelines.
Tim Kucharuk
Press secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
[email protected]
Linea Volkering
Communications, Environment
867-332-2688
[email protected]