"The source of our strength has been dedicated activists and grassroots participation by our community branches," said Bergenske. "Our recent adoption of the Wildsight name reflects the melding of our local concerns into a comprehensive conservation vision for the Columbia-Rockies region of southeastern British Columbia."
Wildsight’s geographical focus is recognized as a critical keystone in the Yellowstone-to-Yukon region. The biological importance of the Columbia/Rockies eco-region is now recognized internationally, thanks in a large part to the effective environmental education and on-the-ground conservation gains of Wildsight and its many partners.
Wildsight’s work has been further rewarded this Environment Week by the announcement this week of international Ramsar status for the Columbia Wetlands.
Wildsight’s on-the-ground, community initiatives include:
- Protecting endangered forests and moving the forest industry to achieve Forest Stewardship Council eco-certification;
- International recognition and legislated protection of the Columbia Wetlands, one of North America’s most critical wetland ecosystems and migratory bird corridors;
- Defense of Rocky Mountains water and wildlife against reckless coal mining and coalbed methane extraction;
- Collaborating with governments and other backcountry interests to exclude motorized recreation from sensitive wildlife areas;
- Reservation of critical habitat for endangered mountain caribou, through negotiation with forestry companies, backcountry tourism operators and the government of British Columbia;
- Protecting wildlife and wilderness from the impacts of industrial tourisms in BC’s backcountry; including protecting the Jumbo valley from resort development in critical grizzly bear habitat;
- Building a community stewardship coalition for the health of Lake Windermere;
- Introducing school children throughout the Columbia Basin to their local ecosystems, Classrooms with Outdoors.
Wildsight applies its regional resources and expertise to environmental issues, seeking positive outcomes for communities, commercial interests, landscapes and wildlife.
Wildsight is a leading force for conservation in Canada’s Columbia and Southern Rocky Mountains. Wildsight nurtures a conservation ethic in our communities through scientific research, public education, and social engagement.
