Protected or in Peril?

Conservation in the Peace River Break and Muskwa-Kechika Regions

University of Northern British Columbia
Prince George, BC
March 15-16, 2013

Workshop Purpose
This workshop will focus on the conservation values, challenges and opportunities in the greater Peace River Break and northern Canadian Rockies region. The Peace River Break is one of the most ecologically diverse landscapes in the Yellowstone to Yukon Region, yet there are few protected areas, decreasing intact habitat for wide-ranging wildlife species, and a rapidly expanding industrial footprint—including the prospect of a third hydroelectric dam on the Peace River.  

Photo courtesy of W. Francis and J. Peepre

The Muskwa-Kechika Management Area, established in 1998 and located adjacent to the Peace River Break, has been a global model for approaches to large-scale conservation. Yet declining government interest, climate change and future development could threaten the ecological integrity of this remarkable landscape, unless we plan ahead. What lessons can we draw from the MKMA?

The workshop will include keynote presentations on recent leading-edge research in the region; discussion on a collaborative conservation strategy for the Peace River Break; roundtable discussions on future research needs; and action steps towards achieving conservation goals. Join us to learn more and help shape the future of the Peace Break region by sharing your knowledge and ideas.

Workshop Topics
•    A Conservation Vision for the Peace River Break Region
•    Impacts of the Proposed Site C Dam on the Peace River
•    Land Use Change & Natural Capital Assessment in the Peace Break Region
•    Assessing Cumulative Impacts on Wide-Ranging Species in the Peace River Break Region
•    Muskwa-Kechika Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change Assessment
•    Caribou Research and Conservation Initiatives in the Peace Region

 

Hosted By
Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y) and Natural Resources and Environmental Studies Institute (NRESi) at UNBC