The territorial government cannot ignore the wishes of Yukoners to protect parts of the Peel River watershed, the Tourism Industry Association (TIA) Yukon said Thursday.

The results from the July 2009 Datapath Systems poll clearly show that Yukoners are supportive of some form of protection of the Peel watershed, TIA noted.

The organization chose to partner in the poll by providing some of the funding.

"The future of the Peel watershed affects us all, and we believe Yukoners are well aware that one of Canada's most precious land assets is in danger,” said TIA Yukon chair Rod Taylor.

"TIA's members believe that a strong mining industry is critical to the long-term economic health of the Yukon. That is why we are advocating for a balanced approach, protecting only 40 per cent of the Peel watershed around the three iconic rivers – the Snake, Wind and Bonnet Plume – and a sustainable land use plan. That represents only six per cent of the Yukon land mass.”

The government has a mandate to represent the people of the Yukon and respect their input and wishes, Taylor added.

"The poll shows that Yukoners are following this issue and have clearly expressed their desire for some form of reasonable preservation of the Peel.”

While mining, development and tourism can be supportive of each other, TIA said, it has drawn a line when it comes to the watershed's Three Rivers area.

TIAY has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the tourism industry's concerns about the long-term effects of continued mining and development in the area.

"The longer-term health of the Three Rivers area is about more than just a short-term economic gain.

"It is about preserving a national treasure and a long-term economic asset. We feel strongly that this is a nationwide concern, and we are asking all Canadians to come and bear witness to why this iconic land asset, the Three Rivers Area, must be protected for all

Canadians to enjoy,” Taylor said.