Protect Mountain Caribou Habitat

I am concerned about the urgent situation for endangered mountain caribou. For two years your mountain caribou science panel met to develop options for mountain caribou recovery. These scientists all agreed that protecting habitat is critical to the long-term survival of the species. I write to urge you to protect ALL mountain caribou habitat. I believe that BC has a responsibility to the world to conserve this wildlife heritage.

You have promised to "lead the world in sustainable environmental management." In the two years that have passed since you created the Species At Risk Coordination Office, mountain caribou have continued to decline at a rate of 4.5% a year, according to your scientists. Meanwhile logging and motorized recreation have continued in mountain caribou habitat. The eyes of the world are on BC as host of the 2010 Olympic games. Since mountain caribou are found nowhere else in the world, I feel you have a global responsibility to protect them.

BC has the opportunity to demonstrate its environmental leadership by protecting mountain caribou and the globally unique ecosystem -- the Inland Temperate Rainforest — that these animals rely on. Please assure me that you will take immediate action to protect all the mountain caribou habitat identified by the Mountain Caribou Science Team.