BCWF
08-27-2016, 06:52 PM
For immediate release – August 25, 2016
Stikine Canyon, B.C. The BC Wildlife Federation (BCWF), the Tahltan Guide Outfitters Association (TGOA) and the Tahltan Central Government (TCG) are working together to restore the ecological integrity of Tahltan Territory. The project, called Clean the Stikine, aims to remove garbage and other contaminants and pollutants left behind by a small number of visitors to the Stikine watershed. The Stikine is known for its pristine landscapes and wildlife; BCWF, TGOA, and TCG are committed to working in partnership to keep it that way.
This September 2016, a coalition of concerned hunters, Tahltan people and outdoor enthusiasts will head to areas most affected in order to restore them to their pristine state. Volunteers with the three groups are renting two jet boats, a barge and other equipment to remove as much garbage and other material as possible within the two days. A site survey earlier in July identified a number of locations that most need cleaning up.
“We see evidence of hunters, campers and others who use this area by what they leave behind,” said Jim Glaicar, President of the BCWF. “That is unacceptable – to us at the BCWF, and to anyone who cares about the ecological integrity of this beautiful area. The first step to make amends is to admit there’s a problem. The second step is to try to fix it.”
While the majority of visitors to Tahltan Territory respect nature and the First Nations who have lived there for millennia, there is concern that a small number of people are putting the region at risk.
“We appreciate that hunters, fisherman and outdoor enthusiasts come to the area to experience the last remaining untouched wilderness in the province,” said Rudy Day, President of the TGOA. “To leave a footprint, whether it’s garbage or pollution of any kind, puts the environment and the traditional keepers of the land – the Tahltan – at risk.”
“The Province respects the sustenance, cultural, and economic importance of wildlife to the Tahltan, Kaska and Taku River Tlingit First Nations and appreciates the Tahltan Central Government for taking a leadership role in protecting and managing wildlife in their traditional territory. Their ongoing efforts are making a big difference and strengthening relationships between everyone who shares an interest in the long-term conservation of wildlife in the Stikine” says Minister Steve Thomson.
“The Stikine Canyon is the largest canyon in Canada and we feel that others across this province and country should start to help us ensure our sacred river and the surrounding areas are properly managed and kept pristine for the future generations of all people. Environmental conservation and protection of our Tahltan Lands is huge priority for the Tahltan Nation. We appreciate that the Wildlife Federation and FLNRO are working with us to recognize and address the problem of garbage being left behind by resident hunters. We encourage all future land users to respect our pristine environment and ensure our land and waterways are left in their original clean and healthy state” says Chad Norman Day, President of the Tahltan Central Government.
Visitors of all kinds are encouraged to report known or suspected violations of fisheries, wildlife or environmental laws, anonymously, to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-7277.
For more information contact:
Jesse Zeman, Resident Priority Program Manager, BC Wildlife Federation @ (250) 878-3799 or jessezeman@gmail.com
For General media inquiries contact: Claudia Ferris, Communications, BCWF (604) 328-8646 or communications@bcwf.bc.ca
Stikine Canyon, B.C. The BC Wildlife Federation (BCWF), the Tahltan Guide Outfitters Association (TGOA) and the Tahltan Central Government (TCG) are working together to restore the ecological integrity of Tahltan Territory. The project, called Clean the Stikine, aims to remove garbage and other contaminants and pollutants left behind by a small number of visitors to the Stikine watershed. The Stikine is known for its pristine landscapes and wildlife; BCWF, TGOA, and TCG are committed to working in partnership to keep it that way.
This September 2016, a coalition of concerned hunters, Tahltan people and outdoor enthusiasts will head to areas most affected in order to restore them to their pristine state. Volunteers with the three groups are renting two jet boats, a barge and other equipment to remove as much garbage and other material as possible within the two days. A site survey earlier in July identified a number of locations that most need cleaning up.
“We see evidence of hunters, campers and others who use this area by what they leave behind,” said Jim Glaicar, President of the BCWF. “That is unacceptable – to us at the BCWF, and to anyone who cares about the ecological integrity of this beautiful area. The first step to make amends is to admit there’s a problem. The second step is to try to fix it.”
While the majority of visitors to Tahltan Territory respect nature and the First Nations who have lived there for millennia, there is concern that a small number of people are putting the region at risk.
“We appreciate that hunters, fisherman and outdoor enthusiasts come to the area to experience the last remaining untouched wilderness in the province,” said Rudy Day, President of the TGOA. “To leave a footprint, whether it’s garbage or pollution of any kind, puts the environment and the traditional keepers of the land – the Tahltan – at risk.”
“The Province respects the sustenance, cultural, and economic importance of wildlife to the Tahltan, Kaska and Taku River Tlingit First Nations and appreciates the Tahltan Central Government for taking a leadership role in protecting and managing wildlife in their traditional territory. Their ongoing efforts are making a big difference and strengthening relationships between everyone who shares an interest in the long-term conservation of wildlife in the Stikine” says Minister Steve Thomson.
“The Stikine Canyon is the largest canyon in Canada and we feel that others across this province and country should start to help us ensure our sacred river and the surrounding areas are properly managed and kept pristine for the future generations of all people. Environmental conservation and protection of our Tahltan Lands is huge priority for the Tahltan Nation. We appreciate that the Wildlife Federation and FLNRO are working with us to recognize and address the problem of garbage being left behind by resident hunters. We encourage all future land users to respect our pristine environment and ensure our land and waterways are left in their original clean and healthy state” says Chad Norman Day, President of the Tahltan Central Government.
Visitors of all kinds are encouraged to report known or suspected violations of fisheries, wildlife or environmental laws, anonymously, to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-7277.
For more information contact:
Jesse Zeman, Resident Priority Program Manager, BC Wildlife Federation @ (250) 878-3799 or jessezeman@gmail.com
For General media inquiries contact: Claudia Ferris, Communications, BCWF (604) 328-8646 or communications@bcwf.bc.ca