Wouldn't it be great if a provincial and the federal government, an oil patch giant, a First Nation, and a conservancy organization played nice to create one of the largest protected areas in Canada, one roughly twice the size of Vancouver Island? That actually came to fruition earlier this week, although many Canadians may have missed the announcement.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) worked with the Tallcree First Nation, the Alberta government, the federal government and Syncrude Canada to create a new provincial park south of Wood Buffalo National Park and expand existing area parks. Already Canada’s largest national park, Wood Buffalo is now part of a network of connected conservation areas preserving a record 67,735 square kilometres of boreal wilderness.
Spanning 3,300 square kilometres, the newly created Birch River Wildland Park is home to 68 species of conservation concern, including wood bison, peregrine falcon, and boreal woodland caribou. Other newly added or expanded areas in the network include Kazan Wildland Park, Richardson Wildland Park and Colin-Cornwall Lakes Wildland Park.
I have been critical of the oil companies in Alberta which seem to have the provincial and federal governments in their thrall. What has happened in the tar sands region is a crime against the environment and a shame for all Canadians. Still, this likely wouldn't have happened without Syncrude, so full credit for their participation.
Protected areas tend to be islands rather than contiguous habitats which allow for the movement of species which don't get the concept of boundaries. This initiative is hugely important and should be applauded.
We are in the hope business as people of faith and as a Christian I want to be hopeful and celebrate hopeful acts. Thanks to all the participants who made this happen.
Thoughts?
No comments:
Post a Comment