Y2Y Connections Newsletter - March 2011

Happy spring! Here in the northern Rockies, the snow is beginning to melt, and we're hearing the magical sound of tundra swans calling overhead. It's an inspiring sound, and one that makes us feel deeply connected to nature in general, and this region in particular.

This issue of Connections is all about inspiration and connection, from the inspiring conservation progress being made in the Flathead, to President Obama's initiative to get people connected with the great outdoors.

We invite you to click through the links below to read about these current topics in more detail.

• Peel Watershed - Call of the Wild North: Will the Yukon government agree to protect the Peel watershed, or will this remarkable "refugium" fall to roads and industrial development? A crucial watershed plan decision will be made in October that may-or may not-result in the largest protected area ever proposed in the Y2Y region. Learn more...
  
  
• Shell Grant Advances Crown of Continent Projects: A group of priority conservation projects in the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem got a huge boost with a $100,000 grant from Shell Canada. The overarching goal of the projects is to ensure that plants and animals have the opportunity to move and adapt in the wake of climate change. Learn more...
  
  
• The Art of Conservation: In an exhibition opening this May, wildlife artist Dwayne Harty brings the scope and beauty of the Yellowstone to Yukon corridor to thousands of people, to help them understand the importance of conserving this valuable wilderness resource. Learn more...
  
  
• One Down, Two to Go in Canadian Flathead: The threat of open pit mines and coal bed methane wells in the Canadian Flathead may soon be eliminated. In return for $9.5 million, the BC government has promised to pass legislation ending mining and oil and gas in the Flathead.This action would achieve one of three critical objectives needed to protect the area's exceptional natural values. Learn more...
  
  
• America's Great Outdoors Initiative Includes Y2Y: President Obama's "America's Great Outdoors" (AGO) initiative aims to link government action with conservation efforts carried out by non-government organizations and communities. The report cites a number of existing partnerships and programs that are effectively contributing toward the AGO's goals - including the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative. Learn more...
  
  
• (Re)Newed Connections - Stephen Legault, CCCI Coordinator: This winter saw another connection renewed at Y2Y - Stephen Legault has started as the Initiative Coordinator for the Crown of the Continent Conservation Initiative (CCC1), and is based in Y2Y's Canmore office. Meet Stephen...
  
  
• Y2Y Recognized in Nature Editorial: In an editorial entitled "Think Big," the prestigious journal Nature calls the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative the kind of effort needed to ensure that national parks are able to withstand the effects of climate change. Read the full editorial. Learn more...