Wilderness Committee publications
We have listed all the eduational reports here going back to 1984. We had to alter the lay-out of the original print publications to adapt them to the web-site format, but we have tried to stay close to the origninal design when that was possible. Hard-copies of most of the papers can still be ordered, although in limited numbers.
Back to most recent publications
2008 - Grizzly bears: a majestic creature faces extinction —
Vol. 27, No. 06
(
Summer
2008
)
Grizzly bears hold a certain place in our hearts - a revered yet feared beast of up to 375 kg which can stand 6 feet tall and conjures up images of rugged and unspoiled wilderness. A subspecies of brown bear, grizzlies historically ranged from Alaska down to Mexico and as far east as Manitoba. Unfortunately, human fear of the grizzly and encroachment of their habitat has left the grizzly virtually non-existent in Canada's southern provinces outside of British Columbia (BC) and Alberta. The few remaining populations of grizzly that straddle the Canada-US border in BC and Alberta are in trouble, and need our actions to help them recover.
2008 - Why doesn't BC have Endangered Species Legislation? —
Vol. 27, No. 05
(
Summer
2008
)
People living in British Columbia know that we live in a special place. Our diverse geography which consists of 14 distinct climates, ranging from rainforests to pocket deserts, contributes to a quality of life that truly makes BC the best place on earth to live. This tremendous diversity also makes us the most species-rich province in all of Canada. Grizzly bears, wild salmon, eagles and killer whales are part of the ecological wealth for which BC is famous. Today, these natural treasures are just a few of the 1,300 endangered species in BC, a province with no endangered species legislation. Read on to find out how you can help to make sure British Columbia remains the best place on earth for us and our wildlife.
2008 - Canada's Tar Sands - What the government doesn't want you to know —
Vol. 27, No. 04
(
Spring
2008
)
Few Canadians know that Canada is home to one of the world's largest dams and it is built to hold toxic waste from just one tar sands operation in northern Alberta. Everything about the tar sands happens on a massive scale. The enormous toxics problems go hand-in-hand with massive global warming pollution and the impending destruction of a boreal forest the size of Florida. Because of sheer scale, all Canadians are impacted by the tar sands, no matter where they live. This is Canada's problem. Read on.
2008 - Stuck in traffic? We have a choice! —
Vol. 27, No. 03
(
Spring
2008
)
We know that our communities face serious problems associated with fast growth and urbanization. The question is, can we carry on the tradition of good decision-making, and pass on the best of this place to future generations? I believe the answer is, yes we can - if we step up and do the right thing now.
2008 - Power Grab: BC's rivers and streams at risk —
Vol. 27, No. 02
(
Winter
2008
)
When most people think of a "run-of-river" power project they visualize a free-flowing river with a small turbine generating electricity. The reality is far different. Typically, up to 80-90 percent of the mean annual discharge of a river is diverted into a pipe, which channels water downhill for several kilometers to a turbine where electricity is generated and the water returned to the ecosystem. Natural seasonal fluctuations in river flow will be blunted and there will be fewer aquatic insects, and less gravel and woody debris, all of which negatively impact stream health.
2008 - Turning the tide on Lake Winnipeg and our health —
Vol. 27, No. 01
(
Winter
2008
)
The declining health of Lake Winnipeg is no secret to Manitobans. Disturbing and frequent reports in the media tell of excess nutrients flowing into the lake, creating colossal algae blooms that suffocate other aquatic life. But Lake Winnipeg is under attack from another, unseen threat-toxins.
2007 - Provincial Parks: How does Manitoba measure up? —
Vol. 26, No. 07
(
Fall
2007
)
2007 - Provincial Parks: How does BC measure up? —
Vol. 26, No. 06
(
Summer
2007
)
Today, from BC to Manitoba, there are over 1500 provincial protected areas covering 22 million hectares. These figures sound impressive, but in reality our parks are struggling under a barrage of threats. Logging, cuts to staff and funding, weak laws, encroaching privatization and government indifference are eroding our protected areas, putting into jeopardy the future of our parks.
2007 - Welcome to St'át'imc Territory —
Vol. 26, No. 05
(
Summer
2007
)
A few hours to the north of Vancouver lies the St'át'imc Nation. St'át'imc (pronounced Stat-lee-um) is both the name of the people and that of their ancient land which encompasses the biggest mountains, canyons, rivers and lakes in southwest British Columbia, with abundant clean water and wildlife such as salmon, sturgeon, eagle, spotted owl, mule deer, mountain goat, cougar, grizzly bear, wolf and many plants used for food or medicine.
2007 - Ochiwasahow: The Fisher Bay Area —
Vol. 26, No. 04
(
Spring
2007
)
Just a couple hours north of Winnipeg lies the Fisher Bay area, on the southwest basin of Lake Winnipeg. This land is home to wildlife such as wolves and moose, foxes and bears, and a huge variety of songbirds. Shallow beaches and rocky reefs can be found throughout the waters of the Bay, providing habitat for a myriad of fishes and birds, many of which are endangered.
