Nature Canada

Nature Canada Responds to Release of Government Recovery Strategy for Threatened Boreal Woodland Caribou

caribou bull Wayne Sawchuck

Nature Canada issued the following statement in response to the release today of the federal government’s proposed strategy to recover Canada’s threatened boreal woodland caribou.

“Nature Canada is pleased that the federal government has finally released its draft national recovery strategy for the threatened boreal woodland caribou. The majestic woodland caribou, nicknamed ‘grey ghosts’ for their shy, elusive nature, play a significant role within the forest ecosystem and are very important to many aboriginal communities.  Yet industrial activities in the caribou’s habitat have caused some herds to be critically endangered, and the rest are under increasing pressure.

“This recovery strategy is an important step towards developing a concerted effort to prevent further declines in populations and rebuild the populations that have been decimated by human activities. It is unfortunate that this recovery strategy was not published before the statutory deadline in 2007, or before a new deadline was imposed by court order. It is important to recognize that this recovery strategy is just a step towards protecting and recovering caribou. Much more remains to be done to actually reduce the harm that is being done to caribou every day.

“At first glance the strategy appears to include the key ingredients for success which Nature Canada has advocated for years, including an identification of the species’ critical habitat. We commend the many people who put in a lot of hard work to get this strategy to where it is today: scientists, public servants, and engaged stakeholders from industry and environmental organizations. Nature Canada will be reviewing the proposed strategy in detail over the next 60 days and working with government and other stakeholders to ensure Canada adopts a strong and effective strategy to ensure a return to vibrant woodland caribou populations across the country.”

The Government’s proposed boreal woodland caribou recovery strategy is available online here. 

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