April 4, 2008
Winnipeg – Deeply concerned about the slow progress in protecting his Boreal forest home, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society is bringing a large furry mascot, known as Caribouman, to The Forks to ask Manitobans to help save his habitat. Caribouman will be outside the Market Tower, Saturday, April 5th, from 2 – 4pm.
At almost 7 feet tall with antlers towering above his endearing head, this clumsy guy will be urging people to take one small step to help save Canada’s threatened Boreal Woodland caribou and help slow the effects of climate change – sign a petition directed at the federal government to meet its obligations under the Species at Risk Act.
“Woodland caribou are very shy and extremely sensitive,” said Aran O’Carroll, CPAWS National Conservation Manager, “and they live in the carbon-rich Boreal forest.” Industrial development activities in their home reduce their habitat and worsen climate change. Already over 50% of woodland caribou’s original range has been lost in Canada.”
“To save this uniquely Canadian species, we need to protect their Boreal forest habitat. We are expecting Environment Canada to release woodland caribou critical habitat maps by the end of April, and we’re asking Canadians to show their support by calling on the Minister to ensure that this occurs,” adds O’Carroll.
The federal Commissioner on Environment and Sustainable Development recently criticized the Minister and Environment Canada for failing to meet the statutory timelines for species at risk recovery planning and failing to identify critical habitats.
“Manitoba needs to start protecting caribou’s boreal forest habitats as mandated under provincial legislation,” says Ron Thiessen, Executive Director, CPAWS Manitoba. “We need Environment Canada’s influence to ensure Manitoba recovery efforts are effective.”
To find out more about Caribouman’s travels, the plight of the woodland caribou, their carbon-rich Boreal forest home, and efforts to save them, visit www.caribouandyou.ca
Contact: Jill Sturdy 613 276 7226 (cell)
On Manitoba’s recovery efforts call Ron Thiessen, CPAWS Manitoba – 204 794 4971 (cell), 204 453 6346.
On federal recovery efforts call Aran O’Carroll, National Manager, CPAWS in Ottawa – 613 569 7226 x 231
-30-