Protect the Nahanni forever
Nahanni National Park Reserve is Canada's most renowned northern boreal wilderness area, and home to wildlife such as woodland caribou, grizzly bears, Dall's sheep, and peregrine falcons. One of the first ever World Heritage Sites declared by the United Nations, the national park protects a spectacular corridor along the South Nahanni River - but too little else.
The current park boundaries leave out important wildlife habitat, most of the watershed - the creeks, streams and mountains that give rise to the South Nahanni River - and the globally significant caves, towers, and sinkholes of the Nahanni karstlands. This area is also important culturally and spiritually to local First Nations.
The threat:
While the process to expand Nahanni National Park Reserve slowly moves forward, land use and mineral exploration permits are being issued by the government of Canada and regulatory boards within the area of interest for the park expansion
Of particular threat are Canadian Zinc Corporation's proposed Prairie Creek Mine, North American Tungsten's Cantung Mine operating on the Flat River, as well as several other long-dormant exploration projects that are being re-activated due to the current high metal prices.
The opportunity
The Government of Canada has committed to expanding Nahanni National Park Reserve. Parks Canada will be hosting public meetings in select cities across Canada in 2007 to consult Canadians about new Nahanni park boundaries. This will be the best opportunity to show your support for protecting the entire South Nahanni Watershed and Nahanni karstlands. We will post dates and locations on our site when they become available. We encourage you to attend a consultation near you to express your views.
Show your support! Write or call the federal government and let them know you support full watershed protection!