Recently, we've had some scientific reports released that suggest there are fewer than 400 grizzly bears in Alberta parks. The same studies say 1000 animals are needed to maintain biodiversity. Many conservationists are up in arms.
I am worried that Albertans are too happy digging up our 'dirty oil' to pay much attention to the grizzly going extinct, and wonder if anyone has any comments on how Yellowstone stepped up to save their bears.
Information about a call to action to raise public awareness and get the government to do something can be found here http://actiongrizzlybear.ca/. If anyone is inclined to wade in on this issue, I can tell you our government listens to Americans very closely indeed!
Thanks for any thoughts, comments, suggestions to go forward etc.
Samantha
Posted by Scott Nelson on November 25, 2008 at 1:04 AM
Thanks for the info Samantha. I'd like nothing more than to stand on my soap box concerning this, and you've even provided a web site I can go rant to as well. My day has been made!
My only comment as to how Yellowstone accomplishes this, someone in power wanted to. With enough pressure, I believe someone could want to. So I am off to rant
Thanks Scott. Informed pressure is the key, I agree.
Posted by Kenn Leonhardt on November 25, 2008 at 9:57 PM
I don't think Yellowstone (or most other US national parks) should be held up as examples of protecting/preserving the environment. US parks are as much about making money off of tourists as they are about protecting the environment. Canadian parks place far more emphasis on protecting the environment than they do on making money. Try finding a road in the US that takes the same sorts of measures that are found along the Trans-Canada Highway for preventing collisions with animals while still allowing them to cross the highway.
Yellowstone may have been able to put a band-aid on it's bear population problem through a special program, but in terms of overall management, it's still got a long way to go in my book. I'm not saying Alberta or Canada is wonderful either or that bear numbers are fine as they are, and I quite hate Stelmach's attitude toward the environment. However, in terms of passive environmental protection, I'd say Alberta/Canada is ahead in that department.
Discussion
3 repliesI am worried that Albertans are too happy digging up our 'dirty oil' to pay much attention to the grizzly going extinct, and wonder if anyone has any comments on how Yellowstone stepped up to save their bears.
Information about a call to action to raise public awareness and get the government to do something can be found here http://actiongrizzlybear.ca/. If anyone is inclined to wade in on this issue, I can tell you our government listens to Americans very closely indeed!
Thanks for any thoughts, comments, suggestions to go forward etc.
Samantha
My only comment as to how Yellowstone accomplishes this, someone in power wanted to. With enough pressure, I believe someone could want to. So I am off to rant
Yellowstone may have been able to put a band-aid on it's bear population problem through a special program, but in terms of overall management, it's still got a long way to go in my book. I'm not saying Alberta or Canada is wonderful either or that bear numbers are fine as they are, and I quite hate Stelmach's attitude toward the environment. However, in terms of passive environmental protection, I'd say Alberta/Canada is ahead in that department.