Public Concern over the Future of Waterton-Glacier is Real
Why is the World Heritage Committee even discussing Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park this week in Seville, Spain? Well, the simple answer is because over half a million Canadians and Americans asked them to. The twelve conservation organizations that petitioned the World Heritage Committee represent over 500,000 citizens in both countries. That's a lot of people.
People who care about national parks, wildlife, and ensuring that the next generation of humanity will have the privilege---and responsibility that comes with it---of experiencing the outstanding universal values of the world's first international peace park, Waterton-Glacier.
This month over 51,016 people took action and sent emails to officials in both Canada and the United States who have the power to protect Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park from mining. (See letter from 50,000 North Americans). Once again, that's a lot of people who believe that one of wildest and most pristine places in North America is an inappropriate place for strip-mining and coal-bed methane.
It is clear that the North American public wants protection for the Canadian Flathead. The support is local, as well. Over 70 percent of local British Columbians want protection for Canadian Flathead Valley, as well.
To the 50,016 people from across North America who have asked for the World Heritage Committee to help Canada and the United States reach a long-term solution for the Flathead Valley: Thank You. Your voice and support is why we are here.
How Canada Can Solve This Issue
Today we laid it out very clearly to the Canadian and British Columbian Governments how they can solve this issue and save Waterton-Glacier. Below is our simple request to them.
As the petitioners for the declaration of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park as a World Heritage Site In Danger, we wish to be clear that we will abandon our petition if the Province of British Columbia permanently removes mining and oil and gas exploration, development and extraction fro the Flathead River Watershed in all relevant land use plans.
Is that really too much to ask? Lets hope that our governments take this seriously and do the right thing.