From: GreatBears@aol.com
Subject: Spirit Bear Threatened by Logging
GREAT BEAR FOUNDATION PRESS RELEASE March 12, 1997
B.C. GOVERNMENT ON FAST-TRACK TO LOG PROPOSED SPIRIT BEAR PARK
BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA -- A critical part of the proposed wilderness
sanctuary to protect the rare spirit bear is being fast-tracked for logging
by the B.C. government. This April, Western Forest Products Ltd. is
expected to start clearcutting the ancient forests of the Green Inlet, a
hidden fiord along B.C.'s famous Inside Passage and home to the spirit or
kermode bear.
Spirit bears are a unique race of rainforest North American black bear in
which about one in ten is white. According to bear biologist, Wayne
McCrory of the B.C.-based Valhalla Wilderness Society, the Green Inlet is
home to one of the densest concentrations of white spirit bears in the
world. "I am shocked that the B.C. government would allow any logging in
the home of the spirit bear," stated McCrory. "The Green Inlet system is
one of a very few coastal estuaries which remain ecologically intact and
support a significant population of kermode (spirit) bears, as well as
populations of grizzlies and salmon. For nine years we have documented the
high value of a park in this area and put the information before the B.C.
government ... and what has the government done to protect it? --
absolutely nothing!"
"The proposed park was designed to connect the intact habitats of the
islands, the fiords and the mainland coast," said McCrory. "Scientists are
learning that this kind of preservation is critical, yet B.C. doesn't have
this kind of connectivity in any of its current parks. It's all getting
cut into fragments too small to support many terrestrial and marine
species."
The Spirit Bear Wilderness Park Proposal has received overwhelming support
both in Canada and abroad. Emily Williams, coordinator of the spirit bear
program for the Great Bear Foundation, a Montana-based bear conservation
organization, states that "members and supporters of the Great Bear
Foundation have delivered an estimated 5,000 letters to the B.C. government
in support of a 655,000-acre Spirit Bear Wilderness Park." " The Green
Inlet is an undeniably integral component of this proposal," continued
Williams, " letters opposing any logging in that area are absolutely
crucial at this time."
According to McCrory, the proposed park is also key to the traditional and
cultural survival of the indigenous Kitasoo people. Hereditary Chief
Archie Robinson feels "disgusted" that the government would allow logging,
especially since the Kitasoo people are currently in treaty negotiations to
gain back their traditional lands.
"Only a large public outcry can save this area from logging," urges
McCrory, "we need everyone to speak out immediately, before it's too late!"
It is critical to write letters to:
1) Premier Glen Clark;
2) Honorable Cathy McGregor, Minister of Environment; and
3) Honorable David Zirnhelt, Minister of Forests;
@: Parliament Buildings, Victoria, B.C., V8V 1X4, Canada.
For more information contact the Great Bear Foundation, Bozeman, Montana
at: 406-586-5533, or The Valhalla Wilderness Society, B.C., Canada at:
250-358-2333.
susan gregerson
post office box 4784
missoula, montana 59806
susang@wildrockies.org
THE WILD ROCKIES SLATE:
http://www.wildrockies.org
THE place for grassroot, environmental news from the Wild Rockies!!!