Cuts at Canadian Wildlife Service Getting National Attention!

If you want solid proof that governments at all levels are turning their backs on wildlife management look no further than the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS).

The CWS falls under the control of Environment Canada and according to their website their mandate is as follows: “The Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS), part of Environment Canada, handles wildlife matters that are the responsibility of the federal government. These include protection and management of migratory birds, nationally significant habitat and endangered species, as well as work on other wildlife issues of national and international importance. In addition, CWS does research in many fields of wildlife biology.”

Wildlife management is not something that can be turned on and off at will by elected representatives or bureaucrats. Future planning and sustainability depends on scientific research that determines both the well being of various species and the sustainability of their habitat.

Dr. Robert O. Bailey, VP of Policy for Canada for Delta Waterfowl, and one of Canada’s foremost proponents of sustainable management has brought the whole issue of mismanagement of CWS to public attention.

On September 18 he toured the Innisville National Wildlife Area near Perth Ontario with a news crew from CBC. The report can be found at: www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2007/09/18/enviro-canada-cuts.html .

Wetlands are disappearing at an alarming rate and land reclamation for urbanization or crop production is no longer the primary culprit. Many experts feel that wildlife habitat is changing so quickly and dramatically that management based on historical models is not even possible. We need to begin planning based on future predictions and this can only be accomplished by governments at all levels that are committed to the cause.

The Canadian federal government has found a new catch-all phrase called “Climate Change” and seem to be diverting all efforts and funds in that direction. Climate change, global warming, or any other term that fits, is real. It will require a major shift in how governments at all levels think and react to virtually all environmental and economic issues. But, cutting research and management funding for wildlife and habitat studies is akin to a mechanic who doesn’t think tools are necessary for his trade.

Wake up Minister Baird! You need the tools to gather the data so intelligent decisions can be made. Wildlife habitat and particularly the state of our wetlands is a barometer for the overall well being of our environment, but it costs money and studies don’t always produce concrete results overnight. Don’t divert funds from your “front line troops” where it’s desperately needed.


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