News Release

Conservation Science Workshop Brings Eminent Scientists to Whitehorse

February 9, 2004 – Whitehorse – CPAWS-Yukon hosted eminent North American scientists at a public forum and conservation science workshop this past weekend in Whitehorse. Close to 100 people turned out to hear five of the visiting scientists speak at the forum. Among them, Dr. Fiona Schmiegelow of the University of Alberta and Dr. Brian Miller of the Denver Zoological Society and Southern Rockies Ecosystem Project gave concise and lively presentations on recent conservation research and planning projects in the western mountains region of North America. Dr. Katherine Parker and Dr. John Weaver provided fascinating insights into important wildlife conservation research in the boreal forest, and Dr. Mark Boyce outlined ways to predict large-scale environmental impacts from mega-projects such as in the diamond mining region of the Northwest Territories.

A two-day workshop followed the public forum, with the visiting scientists joined by Yukon biologists and conservationists. The workshop explored challenges in applying conservation science in the Yukon’s boreal and sub-arctic landscapes. Topics ranged widely over Yukon ecosystems, the status of biodiversity conservation and protected areas; key issues in conservation biology and conservation area design; representation of ecosystems and protection of focal wildlife species. The scientists present generated lots of discussion and advice and a set of recommendations about applications of conservation science, designing and implementing a conservation strategy, and potential conservation science partnerships in the Yukon.

For more information on the public forum topics listed below and other aspects of northern conservation science, contact CPAWS-Yukon at cpaws@cpawsyukon.org.

• Dr. Fiona Schmiegelow, University of Alberta
  Setting Targets for Conservation: Of Science, Society and Strategy
  Dr. Schmiegelow spoke on the scientific basis for establishing conservation targets, and how societal influences have shaped these strategies.

• Dr. Brian Miller, Denver Zoological Society and Southern Rockies Ecosystem Project
  A Science-Based Approach to Rewilding the Southern Rockies
  Dr. Miller presented a new science-based conservation plan and protected areas design for the Southern Rockies, including the Grand Teton National Park region. The plan includes provisions for “rewilding” this increasingly fragmented landscape.

• Dr. Katherine Parker, UNBC
  Applying Science Towards Maintaining Large Mammal Predator-Prey Systems in Northern BC
  Dr. Parker described her work in the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area, one of North America’s most important and innovative conservation areas, located in northern British Columbia.

• Dr. Mark Boyce, University of Alberta
  The Use of Large Mammal Habitat Models for Conducting Cumulative Effects Assessment
  Dr. Boyce explained his work to assist in predicting and managing the long term impacts of development projects.

• Dr. John Weaver, Wildlife Conservation Society
  Transboundary Conservation of Grizzly Bears in the Greater Nahanni National Park Ecosystem
  Dr Weaver described how human use management and potential boundary changes to Nahanni National Park could be supported by research into grizzly bear habitat use.