Take Action for Canada Wolves

Write a letter to the Minister of Sustainable Resource Development at his address below (and send a copy to Premier), asking him to increase funding for the Oldman River Basin Carnivore Advisory Group. This funding will help support wolf collaring, monitoring, and management actions, as well as research into nonlethal methods to reduce livestock predation.

Notably, Minister Ted Morton visited backcountry campsites in southwestern Alberta following a May 2007 holiday weekend, and was appalled at the destruction he witnessed. Such awareness is very good news. The Minister’s concerns for this region should extend to multi-stakeholder efforts to resolve predator-livestock issues.

Background and Key Facts

1. The Oldman River Basin Carnivore Advisory Group has made significant progress in monitoring wolf numbers and behaviour, reducing predation by wolves, assisting ranchers, and conserving wolves.

2. The Carnivore Advisory Group comprises ranchers, local government, two provincial ministries, conservation organizations, licensed trappers, academics, and others.

3. The work of the Carnivore Advisory Group has been heralded by the Province as an exemplary success story.

4. Despite this praise, the province has provided very few resources (e.g., funding, staff time, equipment) to support the work of the Advisory Group.

5. The Carnivore Advisory Group needs funds to:

  • support the implementation of nonlethal methods by ranchers.
  • radio-collar and monitor wolves.
  • document and publish processes and outcomes.
  • convene regular meetings.
  • conduct outreach to ranchers and others in the region.
  • support helicopter use for wolf monitoring and management.

6. Efforts to reduce predator-livestock conflicts are threatened by a lack of funding and resources.

WRITE:

The Honourable Ted Morton, MLA
Minister of Sustainable Resource Development
420 Legislature Building
10800 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5K 2B6
CANADA

Or email:
foothills.rockyview@assembly.ab.ca