This award is particularly special because of the wilderness champion for which it is named.  Robert Marshall (1901-1939), a renowned writer and activist, was head of recreation management with the Forest Service for several years and introduced the concept of a formal, federal designation for wilderness lands.  The award acknowledges wilderness champions who continue in Bob Marshall’s footsteps in the modern day.

The award specifically recognizes WILD for:

• Initiating and facilitating the development of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation for Wilderness Conservation, signed at WILD9, the 9th World Wilderness Congress (Mexico, 2009).   This MOU is the first formal agreement between countries on wilderness conservation and resulted in the establishment of an active North American Intergovernmental Committee on Cooperation for Wilderness and Protected Areas (NAWPA Committee) comprised of the heads of land management agencies in the United States, Mexico and Canada.  WILD facilitates the Working Groups that carry out decisions made by the agency heads, who recently extended coverage of the MOU to include all protected areas under the jurisdiction of their agencies.  (http://www.wild.org/main/how-wild-works/policy-research/mou-on-wilderness)
• Leadership in developing, managing and publishing the International Journal of Wilderness. WILD launched the Journal in 1995 and continues to publish this choice tool for wilderness advocates and managers.  (http://ijw.org)
• Dedication to wilderness stewardship through managing three of the four editions of the Wilderness Management textbook, the most comprehensive and up-to-date information available on wilderness management, history, philosophy and policy. (http://www.wild.org/wild-store/wilderness-management)
• Exceptional history working to perpetuate quality wilderness for present and future generations through the World Wilderness Congress (WWC).  Started in 1974, the WWC is WILD’s flagship program.  Having now convened nine times in seven different countries, the WWC is the world’s longest running public environmental forum and has a long history of practical conservation results.   One is the Global Wilderness Forum for Government Agencies, in which the USDA Forest Service takes a lead organizational role (http://www.wild.org/main/world-wilderness-congress).

>>Read the entire press release

In late 2008 we were planning practical outcomes for WILD9 (the 9^th World Wilderness Congress),  with The WILD Foundation and our partners trying to create better wilderness awareness in Mexico and better cooperation for wilderness in North America. Patricio Robles Gil — the great Mexican conservation photographer and artist, and our partner in creating WILD9  –  suggested to me that we visit with our colleague Juan Elvira Quesada, Mexico’s Secretary of Environment, and present to him the long-dormant plan for a transboundary park along the USA/Mexico border in the region of Big Bend (Texas) and Maderas del Carmen (Mexico).

What a good idea, I thought, to revive the idea first suggested in a letter in 1944 (!) from US President Franklin Roosevelt to Mexico’s President Camacho.  The idea had been politically stone-dormant, unknown except for a few committed conservationists in Texas,  for almost 70 years.   We met with and briefed Secretary Elvira,  provided him with back-up materials,  and I will never forget the way his eyes lit up and twinkled  when he heard the story.  He responded,  “I like this very much…let me try this.”

It was not easy.   National security issues, continued bad news  on the border with drug cartels, immigration, weapons smuggling, and all the rest  had created a stone wall of attitude.  President Calderon was clear: do not bring me the idea until all my Ministers agree…and many of them did not.  Juan Elvira  worked on each of them.

The USA was the USA (of late)…..in a box.  Undaunted, Juan Elvira took advantage of the newly-elected Obama administration’s message of cooperation and hope. He met with the incoming Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar, who was just getting his feet under the desk and was interested to know more details and be kept informed. Using very strategic diplomacy, Secretary Elvira then went straight to the White House and President Obama’s National Security Advisor, General James Jones (US Marine Corps, retired).  Jones liked this out-of-the-box idea and thought it would help create a different and positive image of national security. The White House engaged.   Ken Salazar got on board.  It began to roll.

Almost three years after our first meeting and 67 years since President Roosevelt’s letter, and after much work by all land management agencies and embassies on both sides of the border, on 24 October 2011 we met at a signing ceremony on the banks of the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo River at the Big Bend National Park.  Hosted by Big Bend National Park Superintendent William Yellman, members of all federal land management agencies, local conservationists and school children met with the two Secretaries — Juan Elvira and Ken Salazar — plus the Chief of the US Border Patrol, the US Secretary of Health and Human  Services (Kathleen Sibelius), Head of CONANP (Mexico’s National Parks) Luis Fueyo,  and US Ambassador to Mexico Anthony Wayne in a gathering that Yellman called “The biggest gathering of big brass ever assembled at Big Bend!”.

The Natural Area of Bi-National Interest was officially launched, creating a new consciousness and practice of international cooperation in a 2 million hectare (5 million acre) area of the most bio-diverse desert ecosystem (the Chihuahuan Desert) in North America.

I spoke with Juan and Ken Salazar as we  looked over the river into Mexico at the tiny village of Boquillos and the towering El Carmen escarpment, and we marveled on the conservation achievement and potential of this initiative.  As the day moved on, I also marveled at something else…the obvious respect and genuine friendship between the two Secretaries. Ken Salazar spoke to Juan Elvira using the personal and affectionate “Juanito”…surely this was a first in US-Mexico relations!  And it all came together because of protecting wild nature….

This objective of WILD9 illustrates the World Wilderness Congress process, of collaboration and practical accomplishments that are achieved over many years. We can achieve the miracles we need through cooperation, friendship and persistence. Onward…

>>Read the Semarnat press release (Spanish)

For more images, view the slideshow below!

Here is the call-to-action from the Spirit Bear Youth Coalition and their partners:

We are asking you, on behalf of our partners, to URGENTLY make your voice heard on behalf of the spirit bear by OCTOBER 6TH.

Canadian decision makers must hear your opinion as they prepare to decide if oil tankers will be permitted to move through the waters in the home of the spirit bear.

Register today or by October 6th to be heard during the Canadian government review panel on the proposed Enbridge pipeline.

You don’t have to attend in person and you don’t have to live in Canada, but this will be the best forum to be heard on this issue. And the spirit bear needs your help.

The language on the registration page reads as if you are signing up to speak during the public consultation.  Don’t let this stop you — anyone from anywhere can sign up to voice their support!  Learn more about the Spirit Bear Youth Coalition >

In case you’re unfamiliar with northern Quebec….that’s A LOT OF LAND! Here’s a map:

To support this great plan by Quebec, our Nature Needs Half teammate Marie-Eve, a native French Canadian, drafted a petition and we’re working to get as many signers to support the plan! Marie-Eve tells us that your encouragement would mean a lot to the government and people of Quebec. We’ll send the message with all of the signatures to Premier Charest on 12 October. *Sign the petition!*

Success of the Plan Nord means that in addition to the current protected areas in Quebec, Quebec will add an area the size of France or an area the size of California and Florida – combined – to its protected area network — and additional 600,000 square km (144 million acres) by 2035.

A few quick facts about Quebec’s North

• Located above the 49th parallel, the total area of the Plan Nord is 1,200,000 sq km, which represents 72% of the province;
• 26% of the land is already in dedicated to industry, forestry, mining exploration and energy, mainly hydro-electric;
• 9.15 % of the north is already protected through various designations;
• 4 aboriginal nations live there: the Crees, the Inuit, the Naskapi and the Innu;
• The north is entirely covered in Boreal forest, Taiga and Tundra. The forest represents a quarter of Canada’s remaining boreal ecosystem. Boreal forests are globally important because of their unique ecosystem traits and their role in storing carbon; and,
• The Government and Industries are planning to invest millions of dollars in new roads to facilitate industrial development, but groups and citizens have achieved to get a commitment to protect at least half of the land.

Learn more about the Plan Nord >

Send your support to Premier Charest. Feel free to add your own words of encouragement as a comment! >

The symposium on science and stewardship to protect and sustain wilderness values was the largest of multiple symposia held in conjunction with the Congress. The papers contained in the proceedings were generated at this symposium or submitted by the author or authors for consideration for inclusion in this proceedings, and have been organized into six major topics (which were major themes throughout the Congress as well):

1. empowering young people,
2. promoting involvement of local communities,
3. enhancing transboundary conservation goals,
4. exploring wilderness meanings,
5. monitoring and predicting change, and
6. new directions in wilderness stewardship.

Included are papers that address wildland issues in Afghanistan, Antarctica, Canada, Czech Republic, El Salvador, the Gambia, Germany, Honduras, India, Lesotho, Mexico, Namibia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, and the United States.

The full publication is available for download, online, or you can use the order form to request a copy.

Publication details: Watson, Alan; Murrieta-Saldivar, Joaquin; McBride, Brooke, comps. 2011. Science and stewardship to protect and sustain wilderness values: Ninth World Wilderness Congress symposium; November 6-13, 2009; Meridá, Yucatán, Mexico. Proceedings RMRS-P-64. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 225 p.

At 444,000 square kms, KAZA is roughly the size of Sweden and encompasses some of the most outstanding wilderness and wildlife in Africa, including the largest concentration of African elephant in the world. The concept and plan has been driven by WILD’s close collaborator, the Peace Parks Foundation, based in Stellenbosch in South Africa’s Western Cape.  Learn more about this great step forward for transboundary conservation in Africa >

Professor Dan Laffoley, Senior Advisor at the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and contributor to the workshop, emphasises the vital role of the ocean for humans and the deadly combination of stressors at play in the short video below:

Here is a summary of the findings:

• The combination of stressors on the ocean is creating the conditions associated with every previous major extinction of species in Earth’s history
• The speed and rate of degeneration in the ocean is far faster than anyone has predicted
• Many of the negative impacts previously identified are greater than the worst predictions.
• Although difficult to assess because of the unprecedented speed of change, the first steps to globally significant extinction may have begun with a rise in the extinction threat to marine species such as reef forming corals.

Read the full press release, case studies and report >

From May 17-19, 2011, the Ivory and Rhinoceros Enforcement Task Force of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) met in Gigiri, Kenya to discuss urgent actions against crimes targeting these two animals.

The smuggling of elephant ivory continues to occur at significant levels, and the people behind the illegal trade do not appear to be deterred by the regular losses they are suffering at the hands of border control agencies. As recently as last week, officials in Kenya seized over 1 ton of ivory about to be smuggled out of the country.

The level of rhinoceros poaching is putting South Africa’s rhino population under high pressure. 13 rhinos were poached in 2007, 83 in 2008, 122 in 2009, 330 in 2010. And in just the first four months of 2011, 159 rhinos were illegally killed.

The CITES Task Force learned more about the possible demands for rhino horn and elephant tusks. The rhino horn is primarily in high demand for its traditional medicinal uses and is newly rumored to be an effective treatment for cancer. Elephants are poached for their ivory tusks that are carved into decorative items that consumers are willing to pay high prices for. The Task Force participants agreed that greater communication, collaboration and coordination are needed at national and international levels. Data will need to be regularly exchanged regarding persons who travel to countries (such as South Africa) to engage in purportedly legal hunting, but whose actual intention is to obtain animal body parts to be sold on the black market.

David Higgens, INTERPOL’s Environmental Crime Manager, spoke about how the illegal trade in wildlife can significantly affect a nation’s economy and security. In the case of illegal ivory and rhino horn trafficking, heavily armed poaching gangs can reduce tourism revenue and possibly place the tourist in danger. To read the whole article, please visit the CITES website.

Additionally, the Wilderness Foundation in South Africa – WILD’s sister organization – is currently working on anti-poaching campaigns.

Wilderness – - as a protected area concept – - began in the US. It is now formally recognized and protected in about 11 countries and less-formally in many others (International Wilderness Law and Policy). In the US, the National Wilderness Preservation System continues to grow slowly but steadily, and at 110 million acres is now over 5% of the total US land territory (2.7% of just the 48 contiguous states). Recently, the independent Wilderness Stewardship Association was founded to assure better involvement in wilderness management in the US by US professionals.

The Society for Wilderness Stewardship is a national, not-for-profit, member-based organization. It unites a wide range of people to share knowledge, expertise and abilities in support of local and national wilderness management and stewardship activities. The Society was envisioned and launched in support of both wilderness and the professionals who are connected to it. It supports best management practices, development of new stewardship frameworks, and an inter-disciplinary mission committed to the long-term health and benefits of wilderness for the nation.

Integrity of the National Wilderness Preservation System is challenged by being understaffed and underfunded. It is facing ecological trends including exponential growth of invasive species, global climate change, and heavy, concentrated use of environmentally sensitive areas. In addition, changing demographics have created both challenges and opportunities to connect people with wilderness. Please consider joining and shaping the Society for Wilderness Stewardship to build upon the incredible legacy we’re entrusted with for the future.

Africa Geographic reporter Ian Michler recently highlighted the positive conservation progress and goals of Botswana and the unique Okavango Delta system. He touts Botswana’s commitment to non-consumptive, photography-based low-volume ecotourism as a key reason why the country’s wildlife and wildlands are in such great shape. Those who have been lucky enough to experience the Okavango, have seen first-hand why Michler commends the government’s conservation efforts and strategic partnerships that promote sound ecotourism practices, deter poachers and support community programs.

Michler states: “There may be nothing particularly remarkable about these initiatives, but there are two significant factors that set Botswana apart: a consistency of attitude and a commitment to action that are seldom seen elsewhere on the continent.”

Yet, surprisingly, the Okvango Delta is not yet recognized as a World Heritage Site. World Heritage listing would give the Okavango international recognition and support for continued protection. Working with the Wilderness Network & specifically the Wilderness Foundation (Africa), Dr. Karen Ross has engaged stakeholders, the private sector and the government to rally support for nomination. The initiative has made great strides, and the Botswana government is fully on-board. There is a lot of work to be done yet, though. Dr. Ross explains the process and the ecological significance of the Okavango in a recent article >

On November 18th, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) approved the nomination of Ernesto Enkerlin-Hoeflich as the new Deputy Chair of the World Commission on Protected Areas. Current Chair, Trevor Sandwith, is now Head of IUCN’s Global Protected Areas Programme.

Member of IUCN WCPA since 1996, Ernesto holds a degree from Monterrey Tech in agronomy, wildlife and animal science, and has received several academic honors. He also has a PhD in wildlife ecology with his research on parrots leading to science-based advances in parrot and habitat conservation around the world. .

Ernesto founded and directed Pronatura Noreste and positioned it as one of Mexico’s leading conservation organizations. He also participates as a citizen and professional consultant on conservation and sustainable development policy issues, in steering committees, editorial committees, scientific societies and boards of NGO’s. Together with his family and partners he established two privately run nature reserves encompassing over 2,000 hectares.

Ernesto has published over 100 refereed and popular articles and is co-editor and author of several chapters in “Ciencia Ambiental y Desarrollo Sostenible”, and “Vida, Ambiente y Desarrollo en el Siglo XXI: Lecciones y Acciones”. He also participated in the drafting team of the Durban Accord for the 5th IUCN World Parks Congress in 2003.

“I am immensely pleased with Ernesto’s appointment” said Trevor Sandwith, Head of IUCN’s Global Protected Areas Programme. “His skills and experience within IUCN WCPA will strengthen the revitalization of IUCN’s Global Protected Areas Programme and I am looking forward to working with him in my new role”.

“Protected areas are a success story overall and IUCN WCPA has had a pivotal role.” said Ernesto Enkerlin-Hoeflich, Deputy Chair of IUCN WCPA, “I look forward to assisting the IUCN WCPA Commission in addressing the political, social and financial threat posed by climate change to make protected areas opportunities for conservation in a new era of truly global shared responsibilities.”

“I am thrilled that Ernesto has agreed to serve as the Deputy Chair for the Commission.” said Nik Lopoukhine, Chair of IUCN WCPA. “His wide experience and commitment to protected areas will be critical in helping the Commission in addressing some of the challenges that face protected areas around the world.”

Several good stories through the pipeline today -

On 31 August, through an official Presidential Proclamation, US President Obama declared September official “Wilderness Month!” A brief excerpt from his proclamation: “This month, we renew our pledge to build upon the legacy of our forebears. Together, we must ensure that future generations can experience the tranquility and grandeur of America’s natural places. As we resolve to meet this responsibility, let us also reflect on the ways in which our lives have been enriched by the gift of the American wilderness.“

In just a few short day (Sept. 3rd to be exact), it will be the 46th anniversary of the US Wilderness Act and also the launch of a fantastic new initiative: the Society for Wilderness Stewardship, a national, professional society for wilderness managers, scientists, rangers, educators and stewards. The Society for Wilderness Stewardship is the first and only national membership organization dedicated to informing, uniting, and supporting the extensive institutions, organizations and individuals actively engaged in stewardship of America’s National Wilderness Preservation System.

All of this great news came from Ralph Swain, Wilderness Program Manager with the USDA Forest Service. Ralph, who was an integral part in the WILD9 Wilderness Management Training, is headed to Europe on an international exchange to share wilderness best-practices with managers and leaders in Europe. Looking forward to hearing about the many adventures and connections made during the international training sessions!

The Kayapo territories span 10.5 million hectares in the Xingu region of southeastern Amazon of Brazil and form possibly the largest single protected tract of tropical forest in the world. The protection of these traditional lands can be traced to an historically warrior culture of the Kayapo, strong leaders and well-developed communal society predicated upon ceremony and symbolism.  Protecting this land is a constant struggle in this lawless region.  The Kayapo constantly need to defend their borders from encroaching ranching, logging, gold-mining and land fraud.  The now have another major battle to face – the construction of a hydroelectric dam.

For indigenous groups, the drying out of the Xingu would change life as they know it. The Kayapo and other indigenous groups rely on natural resources, and use these resources in a sustainable manner.   The drastic changes to the entire Xingu basin likely to result from the dam will have profound effects on daily life.  The latest news reports that any planned protest by the indigenous groups may not happen:

“Last week, regional indigenous leaders met here to plan a dramatic occupation of the dam’s construction site, but after four days of discussion failed to produce a consensus, the protest was called off. Members of nongovernmental groups trying to stop the dam are starting to sound resigned.

” ‘The groups are still divided,” said Christian Poirier, the Brazil campaign leader for Amazon Watch, who attended the meeting. ‘There are a lot of political considerations right now for the indigenous leaders. Some have been neutralized by handouts or threats.’ ”

Read more
>

Developing a long-term conservation plan for The Water Forest (Bosque de Agua) is extremely important for Mexico — the forested region provides water and other vital environmental services to a fifth of Mexico’s total population. Currently, the region is threatened by urban sprawl, land-use changes and illegal logging.  A concerted conservation effort is needed to ensure that the water is clean and usable by the people of Mexico City and Mexico at-large. 

The Water Forest is also home to many unique plant and animal species and is internationally recognized.  Its 237,000 hectares harbor 1.98% of the world’s biodiversity of flora and fauna species, 10% of its species are endemic; and it supplies 100% of the water of two RAMSAR sites: Cienegas de Lerma and the World Heritage Site of Xochimilco.

Participants reviewed the work compiled by the core-organizing group, the Document for the Conservation of the Water Forest, which compiles information on the Water Forest and the urgent need for integrated, long-term, strategic planning for its protection.  The document calls for the region to be managed under a Regional Strategic Plan as one protected areas, instead of how it is currently managed and regarded as a ‘mosaic of protected areas.’

As a result of the meeting, participants were better information about the conservation needs of the Water Forest – many made commitments for continued work.  The core-working group was strengthened by hearing the participants perspectives and adding two additional members to the core-working group.

This forum and continued effort in Mexico follows on the priorities set by WILD9 Resolution #12: Central Mexico’s Water Forest: Wilderness area of maximum national priority given the ecological services it renders to over 20 million people / El “Bosque de Agua” del Centro de Mexico: Area Silvestre de Maxima Prioridad Nacional dados los servicios ecologicos que les prove a mas de 20 millones de personas.

Helen McDade, head of policy, said: “We aim to use these petitions to send a clear signal to the government that many thousands of people care passionately about wild land and want to see it given greater protection. Thousands have expressed concerns about proposed major developments in much-loved wild areas such as the Cairngorms and Snowdonia National Parks, as well as the Western Isles and Shetland.  It is vitally important that everyone who cares about our landscape adds their voice to our campaign through signing this petition.”

The petitions are part of the Trust’s Wild Land Campaign, which aims to achieve greater protection for wild land from inappropriate development.

Scottish Natural Heritage figures show that the amount of land in Scotland unaffected by visual intrusion fell from 41% to 31% between 2002 and 2008. Wind turbines, electricity pylons, tracks and housing were major factors in this decline. Whilst there is less wild land in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, that makes it particularly valuable as a refuge from the stress of modern life.

Add your name today >

On May 19, in a significant step towards the first “peace park” between Mexico and the United States, protecting important transboundary wildlands, President of Mexico Felipe Calderon visited Washington DC and, with US President Barack Obama, made the following official announcement:

The Presidents noted the long history of bilateral cooperation in the conservation of natural and cultural resources. They recognized that Big Bend National Park and Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River in the United States and the Protected Areas of Maderas del Carmen, Cañon de Santa Elena, Ocampo, and Río Bravo del Norte in Mexico together comprise one of the largest and most significant ecological complexes in North America. In doing so, they recognized that increased cooperation in these protected areas would restrict development and enhance security in the region and within this fragile desert ecosystem. To preserve this region of extraordinary biological diversity, they expressed their support for the United States Department of Interior and the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources of the United Mexican States to work through appropriate national processes to recognize and designate Big Bend – Rio Bravo as a natural area of bi-national interest. The Presidents underscored their commitment to manage the region in a way that enhances security and protects these areas for wildlife preservation, ecosystem restoration, climate change adaptation, wildland fire management, and invasive species control. (excerpt from Joint Statement)

The protection of the Big Bend – Rio Bravo region has been an ongoing conversation since the mid 1930s, with a major step forward following the declaration of the US Big Bend National Park in 1944. President Franklin Roosevelt, a leader very much interested in wilderness and the protection of natural lands, wrote a letter to Mexican President Manuel Avila Camacho, proposing the idea of an adjoining International Park. At the time, no action was taken. However, interest in the “magical” region remained of particular interest for high-seated political figures.

Discussion regarding the conservation of the region, as an important target area for both expanded nature conservation and for bilateral cooperation, was revived and WILD’s involvement began with conversations about a transboundary park during the planning and convening of the 8th World Wilderness Congress (Alaska 2005).

WILD ramped up efforts while planning for WILD9, the 9th World Wilderness Congress (November 2009, Merida, Mexico) when the WILD9 Executive Committee proposed the idea to Minister of Environment Juan Elvira Quesada. Minister Elvira, with Ernesto Enkerlin and his team from CONANP (National Commission for Protected Areas of Mexico), fast tracked this project, continually pursued the necessary cooperation and commitment from both sides of the border, ultimately leading to the announcement today.  Numerous NGOs in the US, the Mexican Embassy in Washington DC and the National Parks Service (International) also played key roles in reaching this important milestone.  Also of interest, there was a formal resolution (Resolution 33a) passed by the WILD9 delegates on transboundary parks, listing this region as a priority.

The Presidents discussed a wide range of issues, and reaffirmed their commitments to strategic partnerships on many levels. The full statement is available online.

(photograph of the bison bull who escaped from the Banff Buffalo Paddock grazing freely near Hillsdale Meadows, Banff National Park © H Locke 1983)

Here at WILD - as you might have guessed – we’re pretty passionate about wild-places and wild-things.  In the western US and Canada, the buffalo (plains bison) is an iconic example of this wild-ness.  So, it goes without saying that we’re pretty excited about a new initiative to bring the wild plains bison back to Banff National Park (Canada)!  Here’s a bit of  info on “Bison Belong,” to whet your interest and some great opportunities for you to get involved:

Building on the 1997 Banff Park management plan’s commitment to consider reintroduction of wild plains bison, the 2010 management plan is expected to contain a promise to move ahead with a reintroduction of wild bison to Banff National Park if there is public support. The Eleanor Luxton Historical Foundation (which is dedicated to the history, culture and ecology of Banff and the Bow Valley) wants to work with other like- minded businesses, organizations and individuals to show broad and enthusiastic public support for returning wild bison to Banff National Park.

Wild plains bison (also called buffalo) are a natural part of the Banff National Park ecosystem. Unfortunately, they were wiped out in the 19th century when almost all plains bison were rendered extinct. Here is a brief outline of the long association of bison with Banff National Park and the Bow Valley:

a. pre-history

When excavations were undertaken for the Whyte Museum in Banff in the 1960s a large bison skull was found buried in the soil. Similarly, when excavations were undertaken for the Bison Courtyard on Bear Street in Banff, a bison skull dating from 4,000 years ago was found.

b. historical period

1807-10 David Thompson killed bison on the Kootenay Plains and reported a bison pound on Howse Pass (source Kay, C. and C. Whyte, 2001 “Reintroduction of Bison into the Rocky Mountain Parks of Canada: Historical and Archeological Evidence”, in Crossing Boundaries to Restore Species and Habitats in Parks and on Public Lands, Proceedings of the 2001 George Wright Society Biennial Conference)

1859 August 27, James Hector spotted a buffalo track in the Siffleur River Valley within eight km of Pipestone Pass. On August 26 he noted in his journal that his guide William told him he had seen a group of seven bison in the larch meadows of the Pipestone River two years before (source Spry, Irene ed. 1968 The Papers of the Palliser Expedition 1857-60, Champlain Society)

1873 Reverend George MacDougall was invited by the Stoney people to build a mission in the Bow Valley and he determined to build it at Morley because of the presence of bison and rich pasture. He wrote:

“From the very high foot-hill we gazed upon this prospect with admiration and wonder. Within three miles stood the grand old mountain, the wild sheep and goat sporting on its highest summit. At the foot of the hill, and in perfect ignorance of our presence, a band of buffalo were feeding in the richest pasture. To the right of us, on the north bank of the river, lay the location which we have selected for our new mission.” Reverend George McDougall, May 7, 1873.

1872-74 Alloway and Mackay captured wild basin calves during hunts in Saskatchewan that evolved into a herd kept in Manitoba that ultimately became owned by Donald Smith, Lord Strathcona. Some of these bison would find their way to Banff in 1898.

1883 Professor C.A. Kenaston spotted the trail of the last wild bison in the South Saskatchewan watershed (the Bow is part of the South Saskatchewan) at the “elbow of the South Saskatchewan” (source Hornaday W.T. 1889 (reprinted 2002), The Extermination of the American Bison, Smithsonian Washington, DC, p.504

1898 Rocky Mountains National Park (now called Banff National Park) Superintendent Howard Douglas fenced in 500 acres of Banff Park as a “buffalo park” to receive a gift from Toronto lawyer T.G. Blackstock of three formerly wild bison purchased from a remnant population held in Texas. Three months later Donald Smith shipped thirteen bison from the Alloway and Mackay herd to Banff which included the great Sir Donald, the largest and oldest bull surviving from the wild herds. (source W.F. Lothian, 1979, “Sir Donald, the Last of the Canadian Wild Buffalo”, Intercom, Indian and Northern Affairs, Hull, Quebec)

1907 Rocky Mountains Park Superintendent Howard Douglas asked Norman Luxton of Banff to help him buy for Canada the Pablo Buffalo Herd of Rivalli, Montana. The Pablo herd started from a few calves and had been bred up to become the largest surviving plains bison herd. Luxton travelled from Banff to Winnipeg to persuade Minister of the Interior Frank Oliver who was receptive to the idea and the purchase was made. Douglas and Luxton participated in the great buffalo round up which took six years. Ultimately, 708 buffalo were shipped to Canada, mostly to Elk Island National Park. These in turn were used to create the herd at Buffalo National Park at Wainwright, Alberta and some would come to Banff in 1911 (source Luxton, N.K., 1912 “The Pablo Buffalo Herd” in Eleanor G. Luxton, 1974 Banff: Canada’s First National Park, Summerthought, Banff.)

1909 Sir Donald dies in the Banff “buffalo park”

1911 Thirty three Pablo herd bison come to Banff’s “buffalo park” also known as the Buffalo Paddock. (source, N. Luxton above)

1983 A bison bull escaped from Banff’s Buffalo Paddock and resisted all attempts to round him up. He successfully wintered in Banff’s Bow Valley in and around Hillsdale Meadows before voluntarily returning to the Buffalo Paddock in spring in search of females.

1996 Banff Bow Valley study recognizes that the fence around the Buffalo Paddock combined with the other recent developments in and around the Town of Banff formed a serious impediment to the movement of non-captive wildlife in the Banff Bow Valley.

1997 Banff National Park Management Plan provided that the Buffalo Paddock fence be removed but also stated that release of wild bison should be studied.

2009 Banff Park Management Plan review draft contemplated re-establishment of a wild buffalo herd in Banff National Park

2010 (March) IUCN the World Conservation Union, issued scientific report on the ecology and history of bison in North America and the Canadian release is accompanied by a call to reintroduce wild bison to Banff National Park

2010-2011 Citizens, stakeholders and different jurisdictions are engaging with Parks Canada in the effort to re-introduce wild Bison in Banff National Park.

What you can do:

We invite you to lend your personal, business or organizational support to return wild plains bison to Banff National Park where they belong. You can show support for the return of bison by:

• Lending your logo and voice as an initial supporter of the campaign which will appear on the Bison Belong website (bisonbelong.ca) that will go live in May
• Working with the Bison Belong campaign coordinator to personalize your participation
• Networking among your friends and colleagues to bring more public support for the Bison Belong campaign
• Supporting upcoming Bison Belong events in the Banff community
• Communicating directly with Parks Canada and the Minister of the Environment to show your support for the reintroduction of wild bison to Banff National Park
• Visit www.Bisonbelong.ca website to learn more about Bison re-introduction in Banff National Park.

Did you know that more than 2 million hectares of the Amazon under private ownership is protected by some form of conservation effort?  It’s a pretty amazing fact — and the Amazon is a pretty amazing place.   One in ten known species in the world live in the Amazon Rainforest.  The Amazon is under great threat from deforestation, destruction and development, which not only destroy the forest and the animals and plants living there, but also releases stored carbon into the atmosphere.  Since the industrial revolution, at least 25% of all all emissions have come from destroying wild nature - destroying forests and other natural land, such as the Amazon, is a huge component to global climate change. 

Bruno Monteferri (Peruvian Society for Environmental Law), a friend of WILD’s and WILD9 delegate, recently published a book highlighting the private conservation efforts in the Amazon.  Private Conservation in Amazonian Countries presents how private, voluntary initiatives are being promoted and the obstacles and challenges faced in these initiatives.

The book is a great resource for furthering conservation efforts in the Amazon.  It contains country reports from Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, French Guiana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela, and a comparative analysis on the state of private conservation in Amazonian countries – providing an overview of the legal and economic incentives of conservation efforts in the Amazon.  You can download the comparative analysis (English) and the complete book (Spanish) online.  To learn more about this book, you can contact Bruno (bmonteferri (a) spda.org.pe).