CPAWS News

Big Wild Site Animator

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:11:11 -0500

Social media genius wanted
thebigwild.org

Location: Vancouver, BC, MEC Head Office
Reporting to: CPAWS National
Type: Contract, part time, 20 hours/week
Start date: Mid-end August, 2009
Length: 1 Year with possibility of extension
Application Deadline: July 22, 2009
Salary: Hourly

Are you the next site animator for thebigwild.org? We are looking for someone with social media savvy and a love of Canada's wild places.

You'll be the face of the Big Wild (www.thebigwild.org). The Big Wild celebrates Canada's outdoor culture and large wild expanses: our forests, lakes, free-flowing rivers and stunning coasts. It's an open and fun online community of people who are passionate about outdoor activity. And it's people working together to keep at least half of Canada’s public land and water wild forever. You'll be the site's moderator and animator, posting news, encouraging more people to add their voice on The Big Wild, supporting Big Wild Challenge takers, and keeping the Big Wild social network pages hopping.

About you:

You have three great obsessions: the outdoors, building community and online technology. Chances are you’re involved with a volunteer or advocacy organization. And you probably have your own blog, a personal web site or an online community you call home.

You're web-savvy, confident, ecologically aware and funny as all get out. You're just as comfortable talking to bloggers as you are squeezing out Twitter updates, ideally in both English and French. And you understand the demands - and potential - of an intensive public outreach campaign.

What you’ll be doing:

Encouraging traffic to and supporters of thebigwild.org
Animating our online community. You'll kick off discussions, moderate comments, and defuse conflict
Creating regular content for our blog (Blog Wild)
Maintaining and grooming the site, helping great user-generated content to rise to the surface
Creating and maintaining profiles for the campaigns on leading social networks
Responding quickly to queries from the public, and networking with likeminded bloggers
Conducting ongoing social media and web monitoring and providing reports
Participating in promotions and engagement strategy
Carrying out additional project(s) when agreed upon by all parties (e.g. training)

What you’ll need to do it well:

Be proficient and comfortable with social media "Web 2.0". You're at least as obsessed with what makes an active community as you are with online technology.
Ideally, you’re familiar with Drupal.
Be confident and articulate, in English and preferably in French too, in public and online. You write quickly and well, with a distinctive style that works on the printed page, a static site or a blog post.
Be an organizer who can engage and motivate supporters. You're a friendly face and diplomat who quickly responds to queries from the public, and networks with likeminded bloggers.

About us:

The Big Wild was founded by CPAWS and Mountain Equipment Co-op:

CPAWS is Canada's pre-eminent, national community-based voice for public wilderness
protection. Since 1963 CPAWS has taken a lead role in establishing two-thirds of
Canada's protected wild spaces -- an area over seven times the size of Nova Scotia.
www.cpaws.org

Mountain Equipment Co-op is Canada’s leading outdoor retailer and largest co-
operative. MEC is nearly 3 million members strong and counting. www.mec.ca

How To Apply:
Please submit resume with cover letter (can be a combination of written and other
media), quoting posting BIG WILD SITE ANIMATOR by July 22, 2009 to:
Mountain Equipment Co-op
Human Resources, MEC Head Office
149 West 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Y 4A6
Fax 604.731.3826
Email: Jobs@mec.ca

We thank all applicants for their interest, but we will only contact selected candidates.

UNESCO votes to send mission to Canada to investigate threats to Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:32:36 -0500

Proposed Coal Mine in BC’s Flathead River Valley Triggers World Heritage Investigation

Seville, Spain--UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee voted today to send a fact-finding mission to Canada to investigate threats to Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park posed by energy and mining proposals in BC’s adjacent Flathead River Valley.

The 21-member committee voted unanimously for a 2009 World Heritage Centre mission that will “evaluate and provide recommendations on the requirements for ensuring the protection” of Waterton-Glacier, citing concern about the threats that potential mining and energy development within the Flathead Valley would have on water and ecosystem connectivity. It asked Canada and the US to work together to prepare a report--by February 1, 2010-- that examines all Flathead River Valley energy and mining proposals and their cumulative impacts.

“We applaud the committee’s decision and encourage Canada and British Columbia to take swift action to ensure that Waterton-Glacier does not become North America’s only World Heritage Site in Danger,” said Ryland Nelson of the East Kootenay conservation group Wildsight. Nelson attended the Seville session on behalf of 11 US and Canadian environmental groups that petitioned the World Heritage Committee to declare Waterton-Glacier a “World Heritage Site in Danger” because of a proposed coal strip mine and other energy and mining threats in the unprotected Flathead River Valley.

The committee noted that “The integrity of the property is inextricably linked with the quality of stewardship of the adjacent areas within the international Crown of the Continent ecosystem” and said “the protection of the property must be managed within the context of this greater ecosystem.” It also recognized the “high level of public concern” about a proposed coal strip mine and other energy and mining development in BC’s Flathead River Valley, which forms an integral part of the same ecosystem and provides critical habitat for rare and endangered species migrating to and from Waterton-Glacier.

“This is an important step forward,” said Will Hammerquist of the National Parks Conservation Association, who also attended the Seville session. “Today the United Nations recognized that both Canada and the United States have a global responsibility to protect Waterton-Glacier, the world’s first international peace park.”

“We are very pleased that the World Heritage Committee agreed with our concerns about mineral development in the Canadian portion of the Flathead River watershed,” said Jessica Lawrence of Earthjustice. “These concerns are shared by more than 50,000 people who wrote recent letters to the BC, Canadian and US governments asking for immediate action to protect Waterton-Glacier.”

Chloe O’Loughlin, Executive Director of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (BC), said UNESCO’s decision is not a surprise, due to the longstanding scientific concerns over the area. “BC’s Flathead River Valley is the long-recognized missing piece of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. We urge the BC and Canadian governments to take immediate steps to grant permanent protection to this special place.”

“The Flathead River Valley has the highest density of grizzly bears in North America’s interior, and some of the purest water in the world,” said Sarah Cox of Sierra Club BC. “Declaration of an immediate no-staking reserve in the Flathead Valley would send a strong message to the international community that BC takes this UNESCO decision very seriously, and is committed to land-use solutions in the Flathead that do not convert world-class wildlife habitat into a coal mine.”

Sierra Club BC, CPAWS and Wildsight are calling for a National Park in the lower one-third of the Flathead Valley and for a Wildlife Management Area to be established in the rest of the valley and adjoining habitat.

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Contact:

Ryland Nelson, Wildsight: 011- 44-79-244-74932, ryland@wildsight.ca

Chloe O’Loughlin, CPAWS: (604) 685-7445, ext. 23

Will Hammerquist: 011-44-79-244-74932, whammerquist@npca.org

Jessica Lawrence, Earthjustice: (510) 550-6751

Sarah Cox, Sierra Club BC (250) 386-5255 x257, c. 250-812-1762

New video campaign launched to help threatened caribou in MB, ON and QC

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:35:39 -0500

Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal - Today the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society is launching a series of new tongue in cheek videos aimed at helping caribou populations in three provinces. Forest dwelling woodland caribou are in danger right across the country, and some of the greatest opportunities for conservation lie in Quebec, Manitoba and Ontario. Today, in these videos, a cousin of CPAWS’ very own Bou launches a quest to defend his belt. Caribou must win the fight against the destruction of his habitat in those three provinces.

Defending his caribou belt

The habitat of woodland caribou or Boreal caribou extends right across Canada like a natural woven belt. Its belt, however, is being threatened by logging and road building. Caribou must defend his belt not only for himself but for his family, extended family and friends and for us. Without this defence, caribou will disappear and this is a sign that Boreal ecosystems are being compromised.

Mastering many forms of fighting styles, Caribou will use karate, boxing, and wrestling to bring his opponents to the mat. « This new imagery depicts the struggle this animal must go through with the destruction of its habitat. We're hoping these short, tongue-in-cheek clips will inspire everyone to learn more and get involved in protecting Boreal Forest habitat. We’re inviting citizens to ask their respective Premiers to create new protected areas quickly for the Caribou, » - explains Ron Thiessen, Executive Director of CPAWS Manitoba.

Caribou knows no borders

On behalf of caribou, CPAWS is asking for an immediate suspension of logging and new development activities in critical caribou habitat. "We must tackle the problem of on-going incursions into critical habitat while we work on the next step of protection of its territory. We must put measures in place for the long-term survival of the species, "says Janet Summer, Executive Director of CPAWS Wildlands league.

Alas, contrary to what happens in the videos, it won't be as easy for Caribou to defend his belt. Much work needs to be done before achieving real protection for caribou habitat in the Boreal Forest. This is why CPAWS’ chapters in Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec are bringing their collective energies together to help save Boreal caribou before it’s too late

"Only with the support of the people of Quebec can we hope to see the government act fast. Together, we believe we can help obtain real protection for the caribou belt," says Hervé Jodoin, Executive Director of CPAWS Québec.

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CPAWS
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is Canada's pre-eminent, national community-based voice for public wilderness protection. Since 1963 CPAWS has taken a lead role in establishing two-thirds of Canada's protected wild spaces -- an area over seven times the size of Nova Scotia.

Learn more at caribouandyou.ca

For more information :

CPAWS Manitoba
Ron Thiessen
Executive director
204-794-4971

CPAWS Wildlands League (Toronto)
Anna Baggio
Director, Land-Use Planning
416-971-9453 ext. 47

CPAWS (SNAP) Québec
Sophie Paradis
Communications coordinator
514-603-7627

YUKON: Speak out against political interference in Peel protection

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:04:54 -0500

Please act now!

Write to the Peel Planning Commission before June 30. CPAWS is asking the Commission to review the plan in light of this new information. Even if you're written before, it's important to write again.
Send your letter to your local newspaper (Find your paper here)
Support CPAWS' work in the Peel and other threatened wilderness areas

As you may know, the future of the Peel Watershed is currently being decided. Your support so far has been invaluable.

But the Yukon News is reporting that important information about the conservation values of the area has been withheld from the Peel Planning Commission. (View story)

This helps to explain why the current draft plan issued by the Commission only calls for protecting 11% of the watershed, in spite of recommendations and support from CPAWS, First Nations and the public for protecting at least 50% of this wilderness treasure.

Now that we know the draft plan was based on incomplete information, it's more important than ever that you speak out for conservation values and stronger protection measures in the Peel.

After June 30, the plan will be closed to public comment, and in the hands of Yukon and First Nation governments for final approval this fall. It is more critical now than ever that your support for Peel Watershed protection is heard loud and clear!

Yukon's Peel Planning Commission must rise above political meddling

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:04:59 -0500

Whitehorse – Yukon Conservation Society (YCS) and CPAWS-Yukon say that information from an Access to Information Request published by the Yukon News last Friday explains why the draft Peel Watershed Land Use Plan is weak on protection. The ATIP results show that a phone call from Premier Fentie to the Deputy Minister of Environment stopped Yukon Environment from submitting 22 pages of detailed technical input to the Peel Planning Commission. (View the suppressed comments. [Acrobat (PDF) file])

“We were surprised by the weak four pages of input provided by Yukon Environment in response to the scenarios circulated in the last round of consultation on the Peel plan,” said CPAWS-Yukon Executive Director Mike Dehn. “Now we’ve seen what Environment really wanted to provide. I think the Commission would have come out with a draft plan that featured much stronger protection if they had had this information.”

The affected First Nations and public have stated that they want 50-100% of the Peel watershed protected. The current draft plan only fully protects about 12% of the watershed.

“The Premier has stated in the legislature that there will be no political involvement in the Peel planning process until after the Commission recommends a plan in the fall,” said Dehn. “This is clearly not true – the Yukon government is preventing the Commission from receiving critical information. Yukon Environment employees are paid with tax dollars, and this government is preventing them from providing the technical information that the Yukon public expects.”

“The Peel Planning Commission has been trying to create a plan without extremely important information from a government department with critical expertise,” said YCS Executive Director Karen Baltgailis. “I think they took the gutted submission by Yukon Environment as an indication that Yukon government does not want protection of ecological values in the Peel – and it is clear from the Premier's actions they were right.”

“But the Commission needs to rise above the political meddling and be the arms length body they are mandated to be,” said Baltgailis. "The Commission needs to incorporate Yukon Environment’s detailed comments, and produce a plan that First Nations and the public can support. Then if the politicians end up rejecting or drastically altering the plan it will be clear that it is for political, not technical reasons. And it will be clear what this government thinks about the opinions of the voting public and First Nations governments.”

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For further information, contact:

Mike Dehn
Executive Director
CPAWS-Yukon
(867) 393-8080, ext. 2

Karen Baltgailis
Executive Director
Yukon Conservation Society
(867) 668-5678

Industry and Environmental groups applaud release of Far North report

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:36:30 -0500

Report shows strong support for funding and First Nations lead on planning

Toronto –Today the Ontario Waterpower Association and CPAWS Wildlands League applaud the release of the consensus advice of the Far North Advisory Council by MNR Minister Donna Cansfield. The groups were members of the Far North Advisory Council - a public committee struck by Minister Cansfield to provide advice and input on how to protect at least half of the Far North in a network of conservation lands while balancing social, economic and environmental priorities.

The multi-stakeholder Council met intensively over a 6 month period from September '08 to February ‘09 and achieved a surprising amount of consensus and good will. For example, all agreed that:

Resources required for the Far North Initiative should be regarded as a cost-effective return on investment, resulting in an overwhelming net benefit for local communities, the province and country as a whole;
Decision-making authority in the Far North is held by First Nations and the Province and that all planning and development activities require community agreement before proceeding; and
A comprehensive planning framework is required that includes all relevant sectors and reflects the unique culture, geography and global significance of this part of the province.

The entirety of the advice can be found at http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/274245.pdf.

“We all rolled up our sleeves and put forward our best ideas on how economic prosperity and ecological protection could be achieved in the Far North in partnership with First Nations,” said Paul Norris, President of the Ontario Waterpower Association. “Groups set aside their traditional positions and focused on creating something new and dynamic, worthy of this incredible initiative,” Norris added.

“We were honoured to work together to achieve a precedent-setting model for the world,” said Janet Sumner, Executive Director of CPAWS Wildlands League. “The report demonstrates that good outcomes are possible from groups that don't always see eye to eye,” Sumner said.

While the Council's original term is done, several of the groups would like to continue to support the aspirations of Aboriginal communities and provide certainty for all.

Yesterday the government also announced funding to enable a six-year plan to clean up 16 sites that have become contaminated with toxic materials in the northern Boreal region. The clean-up has support in the Far North Advisory Council's advice and is important to overall efforts to conserve the unique Boreal ecology of this part of Ontario. “We congratulate Minister Cansfield, Grand Chief Stan Louttit of the Mushkegowuk Tribal Council and all the First Nations that have fought for decades to clean up the contaminated Mid-Canada Radar Sites in northern Ontario,” the groups said.

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For more information please contact:

Paul Norris,
Ontario Waterpower Association
1-866-743-1500

Janet Sumner
CPAWS Wildlands League
416-579-7370

Nahanni park expansion enshrined in law

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:51:28 -0500

CPAWS is thrilled that Bill C-38, an Act to amend the National Parks Act to expand Nahanni National Park Reserve to over 30,000 km², nearly seven times its original size, is now enshrined in law. The Bill was passed by the Canadian House of Commons on June 17th, by the Senate on June 18th and on that very same day was given Royal Assent by Governor General Michaelle Jean. We’re not sure but we think this may be a speed record for passing legislation through the House and the Senate and receiving Royal Assent.

CPAWS wishes to thank the DehCho First Nations for their vision and devotion to protecting the greater Nahanni ecosystem which lies within their traditional territory. We also thank the dedicated staff of Parks Canada who worked alongside members of the DehCho First Nations to complete the park expansion. And we thank the leadership of the Government of Stephen Harper and all of the opposition parties who came together to speed passage of the legislation this past week.

Learn more:

Read a transcript of the moving speeches on June 17th marking the passage of Bill C-38 by Environment Minister Jim Prentice, Liberal Environment Critic David McGuinty, local NDP Member of Parliament Dennis Bevington and Bloc Quebecois Environment Critic Bernard Bigras.
Read a transcript of the third reading of Bill C-38 in the Senate.
Learn about CPAWS' Nahanni campaign here.

Implement Senate Navigation recommendations, say environmental groups

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:00:41 -0500

OTTAWA—The federal government should implement immediately the recommendations of the Senate Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources Committee to protect the public right of navigation and maintain environmental protection of waterways say Sierra Club Canada and Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society.

“We enthusiastically support the Senate Committee’s findings that regulations should replace the overly discretionary ministerial orders that allow federal permitting and environmental assessment processes to be evaded for specific dams or bridges,” said Stephen Hazell, executive director of Sierra Club Canada. “We also support the Senate Committee’s recommendation that Transport Canada develop an effective communications strategy and consultation process, in recognition of the fact that users of waterways—especially First Nations, but also paddlers and environmentalists—were not consulted sufficiently in a timely manner in bringing forward the NWPA amendments”.

"The new Act allows any type of works to be constructed on so called "minor navigable waters" without notice or right of appeal and without respect to the public right of navigation or potential impact on the environment. The government has inappropriately defined such waterways that are in fact navigated by recreational paddlers, hunters and anglers and First Nations," said Jay Morrison, chair of CPAWS’ Right to Paddle Campaign. "The Senate Committee should be congratulated on getting to the bottom of how this flawed legislation could affect millions of Canadians."

“However, we are disappointed that the Senate Committee did not go further and recommend that all of the provisions of the Navigable Waters Protection Act that harm Canadian navigation rights and waterways be repealed,” said Celeste Côté, national water campaigner for Sierra Club Canada. “The Senate Committee failed to recognize that sustainable development cannot be achieved when federal decision-makers blind themselves to the environment effects of development projects by eliminating environmental assessments.”

The amendments to the Navigable Waters Protection Act were among 42 budgetary and non-budgetary provisions included in Bill C-10, the 2009 Budget Implementation Act.

The Report Addressing Bill C-10, Navigable Waters Protection Act was released on June 11, 2009 following hearings held by the Senate Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources Committee.

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For more information, please contact:
Stephen Hazell, SCC Executive Director, 613 724-1908 (cell)
Jay Morrison, Chair, CPAWS Right to Paddle Campaign, 613 731-0336
Celeste Côté, SCC National Water Campaigner, 613 240-3838 (cell)

BRITISH COLUMBIA: Help decide the future of Waterton-Glacier Peace Park

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:26:44 -0500

This month UNESCO's World Heritage Committee will meet in Spain to rule on a petition submitted by eleven leading environmental groups in the US and Canada. The petition requests that Waterton-Glacier World Heritage site be added to the list of sites "In Danger."

Pure water and pristine wilderness make Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park a special place that has been designated a UN World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. The Park is threatened by British Columbia's land use plan that encourages mining and gas extraction in the Flathead River Valley adjacent to the Park.

One proposal under consideration by the BC government is an open pit coal mine 35 kilometres upstream from the Park. Over 325 million tons of overburden rock would be dumped into Foisey Creek, a tributary of the Flathead River that is critical habitat for threatened bull trout and genetically-pure westslope cutthroat trout. Failure of waste ponds would send toxic sludge into Waterton-Glacier within 24 hours.
Other mineral exploration is underway even closer to the Park boundary. Vulnerable populations of grizzlies, wolves, lynx and wolverines are also threatened by these plans.

Take action

Send a message to Canada and the United States that mining and energy development does not belong upstream of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park in the Flathead River Valley.

SeaChoice partners with Overwaitea Food Group on bold sustainable seafood project

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:17:52 -0500

VANCOUVER – A new collaboration between the Overwaitea Food Group and SeaChoice, Canada’s national seafood program, is making it easier for Canadians to buy seafood that promotes healthy oceans.

Renowned environmentalist David Suzuki appeared at the partnership’s unveiling today at a Save-On-Foods store in Vancouver.

“The future health of our oceans depends on our ability to protect wild fish stocks and the marine environments they live in,” Dr. Suzuki said. “To help achieve this, we need retailers to provide customers with sustainable seafood and stop selling unsustainable products.”

The Overwaitea Food Group, which operates 117 stores across 80 communities in Western Canada, is one of North America’s first grocery retailers to commit to a sustainable seafood policy.

As part of that policy, OFG is working with SeaChoice to develop and implement a six-point sustainability plan for the procurement and sale of seafood in its stores. The retailer has committed to:

offering customers sustainable seafood options and reducing procurement of unsustainable seafood
providing transparency and traceability information on seafood products they sell
openly collecting and sharing information regarding OFG’s sustainability practices
educating its team members, suppliers and customers on sustainable seafood
encouraging policymakers to improve and develop laws and regulations that support sustainability
ensuring a sustainable future for seafood stocks

“This agreement between SeaChoice and the Overwaitea Food Group represents a major milestone along the path to achieving healthy oceans,” said Bill Wareham, SeaChoice representative and marine conservation specialist with the David Suzuki Foundation. “OFG is going to be one of the first seafood retailers in Canada to show how companies can play a significant leadership role in realizing positive change for our oceans.”

As part of its early efforts to implement a sustainable seafood policy, the Overwaitea Food Group has dropped several red-listed products from its store shelves, including Chilean seabass, yellowfin tuna and orange roughy. The company is working to source more seafood options for its customers that meet SeaChoice’s green list criteria, which can be found online at www.seachoice.org.

“We congratulate OFG for its commitment to sustainable seafood. This partnership is a great example of how forward-thinking retailers can partner with organizations like SeaChoice to make a difference and improve the health of our oceans,” said Sabine Jessen, national manager of Oceans and Great Freshwater Lakes with the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society.

Formed in 2006, SeaChoice is a national program that provides science-based sustainability assessments of seafood and helps Canadian businesses and consumers make sustainable seafood choices. More than 250,000 printed copies of the program’s guide to sustainable seafood, Canada’s Seafood Guide, are in circulation across the country.

SeaChoice is a joint initiative of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, David Suzuki Foundation, Ecology Action Centre, Living Oceans Society and Sierra Club BC, and works in collaboration with the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program.

For more information, contact:

Taina Uitto
National Manager, SeaChoice
(604) 685-7445 x 26 (office)
(604) 838-0942 (mobile)

Sutton Eaves
Communications Specialist, David Suzuki Foundation
(778) 829-3265
Or visit:
www.seachoice.org

A proud day for Canada: Nahanni becomes one of world's greatest parks

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:51:01 -0500

Ottawa - The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is celebrating the historic announcement today by Environment Minister Jim Prentice and DehCho First Nations Grand Chief Gerald Antoine of the final boundaries for the greatly expanded Nahanni National Park Reserve in the Northwest Territories.

The world famous park reserve is now nearly seven times the size of the original one established in 1972. It will permanently protect over 30,000 km2 of Boreal wilderness - an area the size of Vancouver Island.

"The Nahanni is the jewel of Canada’s Boreal forest, and one of the world’s greatest wilderness treasures. Canada has shown true global leadership by protecting it," says CPAWS National Executive Director Eric Hébert-Daly.

"With this announcement the federal government has created a national park that can take its place alongside Banff and Jasper as one of the world’s great protected areas," says Harvey Locke, CPAWS Senior Advisor for Conservation.

The announcement of final boundaries comes nearly two years after Prime Minister Harper and former Environment Minister John Baird promised a massive expansion of the park, crowning years of collective work by CPAWS, local First Nations and many others to convince the federal government to permanently protect this iconic wilderness area.

"The elders of Nahanni Butte and the leaders of the Dehcho First Nations were determined to see this through," says Lani Cook, Executive Director of CPAWS NWT Chapter. "For the past nine years, we have been honoured to work closely with them to get protection for the Nahanni."

National campaign led to Nahanni’s protection

Today’s announcement caps a 35-year effort by CPAWS to expand Nahanni National Park Reserve. When the CPAWS’ campaign went national six years ago, thousands of Canadians across the country became involved, writing letters and demonstrating their support.

"Nahanni’s popularity and iconic status are well-deserved," adds Locke.

The Nahanni is a spectacular example of intact Boreal wilderness that is also of spiritual importance to local First Nations. The watershed contains Virginia Falls, which is twice the height of Niagara, deep canyons, and unique limestone caves and formations. It is home to woodland caribou, grizzly bears, mountain goats, and Dall’s sheep.

"It’s no exaggeration to say that the Nahanni is an ecological treasure of global significance. Today’s announcement guarantees its future and promises that generations of Dehcho First Nations, northerners, other Canadians, and visitors from around the world will have the chance to experience this unspoiled wilderness," says Hébert-Daly.

"CPAWS is proud to have played an important part in protecting Nahanni forever. We gratefully acknowledge the support of thousands of Canadians in the North and across the country who made this happen," adds Hébert-Daly.

CPAWS thanks its many supporters over the years on this campaign, including the Canadian Boreal Initiative, the Conservation Alliance, Mountain Equipment Co-op, the Wildlife Conservation Society Canada and Nahanni River Adventures, which along with Blackfeather and Nahanni Wilderness Adventures created a special fund to support CPAWS’ efforts to protect Nahanni Forever.

CPAWS will continue to work with the Sahtu Dene and Métis on permanent protection of Nááts’ihch’oh National Park in the Nahanni Headwaters and Sahtu region.

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Also available:
Backgrounder
Photos and B Roll
www.cpaws.org/nahanni

Contact: Ellen Adelberg (613) 569-7226 x 234, cell (613)292-2875

In NWT: Lani Cooke (867) 445-8831

Since 1963, CPAWS has played a leading role in establishing more than two-thirds of Canada’s protected areas. Our vision is that Canada will protect at least half of our wilderness forever.

Will Manitoba Join Ontario and Quebec as Leaders in Boreal Forest Protection?

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:59:21 -0500

On June 9, the Ontario government introduced new legislation that would allow for the permanent protection of at least half of the 450,000 square kilometres that makes up the northern Boreal Forest region of Ontario -- one of the last great, undeveloped spaces on our planet. CPAWS Manitoba joins its colleagues in Ontario, Wildlands League, in applauding this important next step taken by Ontario. CPAWS Manitoba also hopes the Manitoba government will soon join the impressive ‘Boreal Leaders’ club and make its own spectacular protection commitment. Both Quebec and Ontario have made commitments to protect 50% or more of their Boreal Regions.

“The proposed Far North Act would place Ontario among world leaders in boreal protection and represent the largest land protection commitment in North America to fight climate change,” Ontario Minister Donna Cansfield said in that province’s legislature yesterday. “It would also set the stage for carefully managed sustainable resource development in the far north, with the requirement that development benefit local First Nations and take into consideration ecological and cultural values,” Minister Cansfield added. “Those words are music to my ears,” says Ron Thiessen, Executive Director of CPAWS Manitoba. “If only we could hear Premier Doer announce a made-in-Manitoba plan to protect more than half of Manitoba’s Boreal Region, then I would be absolutely thrilled, over the moon in fact,” Thiessen dreamed.

Manitoba’s Boreal Forest region is part of a globally significant intact ecosystem. It is at the heart of the largest terrestrial storehouse of carbon on the planet and it shields us all from the dangerous impacts of climate change. CPAWS Manitoba urges the Manitoba government to take that first step and commit to an incredible vision of more than 50% Boreal protection. Thiessen exclaimed, “Manitoba is blessed with a chance to unite with our neighbours in Ontario to establish the largest interconnected protected areas network on the planet!”

Learn more at caribouandyou.ca

For more information:
Ron Thiessen – 204 794 4971, 204 949 0782
www.cpawsmb.org

Should Fundy National Park be expanded?

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 09:29:44 -0500

This commentary by Roberta Clowater, Executive Director of CPAWS New Brunswick, first appeared in the Telegraph-Journal on June 1st, 2009.

National Parks bring a wealth of values to New Brunswickers - habitat and wildlife conservation, protection of water quality, outdoor recreation, and the jobs and other economic benefits associated with research, park operations and tourism.

For more than 30 years, ecologists and park users have been trying to figure out how to expand the conservation value of Fundy National Park. The park's boundaries are not large enough to allow park managers to conserve populations of wide-ranging mammals, watersheds and other wildlife (such as the now endangered population of Inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic salmon).

The "State of the Parks Report" (1997) notes that Fundy National Park has experienced the second-highest number of wildlife extirpations (the loss of a species from a region) of all national parks, behind only tiny Point Pelee in southern Ontario. With the predicted impacts of climate change on ecosystems, we need to conserve the ability of Fundy's natural areas to respond to and bounce back from additional stresses in temperature, drought, floods and storms.

Park staff should be praised for bringing this question to the attention of a wider audience, and for speaking with provincial government departments to explore options for management of Crown land next to the park. The next step is clearly to involve the public in a broader discussion of how we solve these conservation challenges and address concerns about ongoing recreational use and other commercial activities.

Expanding the park's boundaries would have real benefits. More habitats and watersheds would be well protected from development under the Canada National Parks Act. Federal parks have access to significant management resources, increasing the likelihood that conservation plans will be acted upon.

Another conservation tool available now is a provincial protected natural area designation. This legislation was established in 2003, and there are already three small Protected Natural Areas in the region west of Fundy NP - McManus Hill, Point Wolfe River Gorge and Little Salmon River Gorge.

These three areas by themselves are adding only minimally to the ecological integrity of the Park. A more sizeable protected natural area abutting Fundy National Park, managed in co-ordination with the national park management plan, would greatly enhance the park's ability to protect the waters, woods and wildlife of the Fundy region. With a protected natural area designation, hunting and trapping would be permitted, while industrial activities would be prohibited.
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society - New Brunswick Chapter believes that Fundy National Park needs to be expanded, one way or another.

The concerns about the continued persistence of the wildlife, rivers and forests of Fundy National Park are real, and must not be dismissed because some people can't imagine a good compromise or are unwilling to explore options.

The provincial government has announced they plan to expand the protected natural areas system on Crown land. We believe we have an opportunity to find a compromise and increase land and water protection in the Crown lands surrounding Fundy National Park. We have an obligation to future generations, and ourselves as citizens, to resolve a question that has hung around unanswered for far too long.

Roberta Clowater is the Executive Director of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, New Brunswick Chapter, based in Fredericton.

New Ontario law promises to protect northern Boreal Forest

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:59:20 -0500

Role of communities needs to be front and centre in new law, coalition says

TORONTO – A coalition of leading environmental groups applaud landmark legislation introduced today in the Ontario legislature that, when passed, will guide the process for protecting at least half of the province’s northern Boreal forest.

The move to introduce the Far North Planning Act follows Premier McGuinty’s commitment last July to protect at least 225,000 km² of the northern Boreal Forest. The coalition notes that for the first time in Ontario history, legislation will ensure that First Nations will lead planning for their traditional territories.

“ The Premier has made good on his promise to the planet, and has set in motion a plan to protect more than 50 billion tonnes of carbon,” says Janet Sumner of CPAWS Wildlands League. “The success of this initiative depends on new investment in First Nations as they plan for prosperity, culture and ecosystems,” Sumner says.

“World class values deserve world class legislation,” adds Justin Duncan of Ecojustice. “We expect this draft has the right ingredients and we look forward to working with others to perfect it.”

The Coalition has set out five benchmarks to judge the quality of the new legislation:

Clear statement of ecological planning goals and objectives to guide selection of conservation lands
Establishment of community planning bodies to lead development and approve land‐use plans
Equal representation of Aboriginal people on community planning bodies
Adequate funding for community planning bodies to conduct their work
Establishment of science advisory body to meet the purposes of the legislation

“We will be looking for legislation that meets these benchmarks,,” says Rick Smith of Environmental Defence. “Our expectation is that some changes to the draft Act may be needed to fully meet these standards. Those can be addressed during the Committee hearing process this summer."

Dedicated funding to support community planning is a particular concern to the Coalition. In the absence of money for developing plans proactively, there is a risk that the process may default to planning only in response to proposed developments.

“Plans that protect culture, landscapes and species need to be done now” says Catharine Grant of ForestEthics, “Not only when somebody wants to build a mine, hydro dam or transmission line”

The role of a regional planning body needs to be clearly defined in the legislation as well, including the manner that it will involve aboriginal people.

“The promise of protection needs to become real through this legislation and it could set a standard for conservation that other provinces should match,” says Caroline Schultz of Ontario Nature. “Getting it right means the difference between development that is sustainable and that which will eventually destroy an irreplaceable region.”

Three members of the Coalition also sat on the Minister of Natural Resources Far North Advisory Council. They are pleased to see that many elements of the Council’s consensus report are reflected in the draft legislation.

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For more information please visit www.borealopportunity.ca and contact:

Janet Sumner, CPAWS-Wildlands League
416 971 9453 ext. 39

Justin Duncan, Ecojustice
(416) 368 7533

Rick Smith, Environmental Defence
(416) 670-9521

Catharine Grant, ForestEthics
(416) 527-2284

Caroline Schultz, Ontario Nature
(416) 768-9795

Backgrounder

The Far North Planning Act introduced on June 2, 2009 follows last summer’s historic announcement by Premier Dalton McGuinty that Ontario will protect at least 225,000 square kilometres of Ontario’s northern Boreal region (www.premier.gov.on.ca/news/Product.asp?ProductID=2353). This is the largest conservation commitment in Canadian history and will elevate Ontario to being a world leader in protecting terrestrial carbon and conserving the internationally significant Boreal ecosystem.

Quick Facts

The Great Boreal forest of Ontario’s north is currently almost completely undeveloped. Located north of approximately 50 degrees latitude and covering an area of 45 million hectares, it is home to many Aboriginal communities who wish to plan for their futures. It also contains wild rivers, wetlands and an abundance of pristine forests that provide habitat for many species that are threatened or rare in other parts of Ontario. It is also one of the largest terrestrial carbon storehouses in the world and its conservation is a cornerstone of the Premier’s climate change strategy.
The Northern Boreal region is 43 per cent of Ontario's land mass
It is home to 24,000 people living in 36 communities
The region absorbs approximately 12.5 million tonnes of CO2 from our atmosphere each year
There are two operating mines in the region, Victor Diamond Mine and the Musselwhite Gold Mine
There is considerable economic potential from additional mines and hydroelectric development
There is only one all season road in the region which terminates in Pickle Lake
The region is a stronghold for Woodland Caribou, Polar Bear, Lake Sturgeon, Wolverine and other species at risk.
Find more information on the values of the region at www.borealopportunity.ca

About the Ontario Boreal Futures Coalition

The Ontario’s Boreal Futures Coalition includes CPAWS Wildlands League, Ecojustice, Environmental Defence, Environment North, Forest Ethics and Ontario Nature. The Coalition is working to support the establishment of new conservation-focused land-use planning legislation for the far northern boreal region of Ontario. We are working closely with First Nations, scientists and government to ensure that this new legislative framework realizes the Premier's commitment to protecting 50% or more of the region, better protecting species such as caribou, wolverine and sturgeon where development does occur and enabling and supporting First Nation involvement in the planning processes.
The Coalition will undertake a variety of education and outreach activities as part of its work. These include the launch and distribution of the “New Boreal Times” publication, the launch of a new website that contains an interactive flyover of the region (www.borealopportunity.ca) and organizing public events and collaborative work with First Nations, industry, and government.

Three of the groups in the coalition (CPAWS-Wildlands League, ForestEthics and Ontario Nature) are members of the multi-stakeholder Far North Advisory Council. This council, comprising representatives of mining, forestry, hydro and conservation groups, and others recently submitted advice and input to the Minister of Natural Resources intended to inform the province’s plans for moving forward with legislation.

Canada's environmental leaders off to Washington for Canada-U.S. Eviro-Summit

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:51:56 -0500

Leaders from nine of Canada’s largest environmental organizations are heading to Washington D.C. for meetings on some of the most important environmental issues facing the continent–climate change, the arctic, dirty fuels, water and wildlife.

The environmental CEOs will be meeting with more than 30 of their environmental counterparts in the U.S. and with senior officials from the U.S. government in D.C. to share their views on Canada’s challenges and opportunities and to learn more about where the U.S. is heading with environmental and energy policy.

“Since so many environmental issues are not contained by political boundaries, it’s crucial that Canadian organizations work with their U.S. counterparts and the U.S. Government on solutions to continental and international issues such as global warming, energy policy and wildlife,” said Stephen Hazell, Executive Director of Sierra Club Canada.

“We are quite interested in getting information on Washington’s plans to clean up the energy supply and the potential for U.S. initiatives to help Canada clean up or phase out Canada’s dirty oil sands,” said Rick Smith CEO of Environmental Defence in Canada.

“While Canada is an active exporter of energy to the U.S., too often we are a passive taker of energy policy – vehicle fuel efficiency standards are prime example,” said Bob Oliver, Executive Director of Pollution Probe in Canada. “We are very interested in working with our counterparts in the U.S. to create shared solutions to our shared challenges in reducing transportation energy use.”

“Wilderness and wildlife are both threatened by climate and increasing industrial development and require cross border co-operation– it’s absolutely essential that we work with American groups and governments to secure a future for irreplaceable ecosystems,”said Éric Hébert-Daly, Executive Director of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society.

Canada’s environmental leaders will meet with U.S. Government officials on Monday June 1, 2009 to discuss environmental issues. Then on Tuesday, June 2 the nine Canadian environmental CEOs will meet with the CEOs of more than 30 U.S. environmental organizations at a summit in Washington D.C.

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To contact Canadian environmental CEOs in Washington:

Dana Silver
Executive Assistant to Marlo Raynolds
danas@pembina.org
cel 403-710-4212

Marlo Raynolds
Executive Director, The Pembina Institute
marlor@pembina.org
cel 403-607-9427

Canadian Groups involved:

Graham Saul, Executive Director, Climate Action Network Canada
Rick Bates, Executive Director, Canadian Wildlife Federation
Éric Hébert-Daly, National Executive Director, CPAWS
Rick Smith - Executive Director, Environmental Defence
Sidney Ribaux - Co-founder & General Coordinator, Équiterre
Bruce Cox - Executive Director, Greenpeace Canada
Marlo Raynolds - Executive Director, Pembina Institute
Bob Oliver - Executive Director, Pollution Probe
Stephen Hazell - Executive Director, Sierra Club Canada