Yellowstone to Yukon (Y2Y) Conservation Initiative

A new wildlife fence is being built in Canmore to help elk and other wildlife stay off the Trans-Canada Highway. While this is a step forward, concerns remain about whether it will effectively maintain connectivity for wildlife. Y2Y and others are questioning whether the fence will work as intended without incorporating a crossing to guide animals safely over or under the highway. Hear more from Y2Y's landscape connectivity specialist Tim Johnson in this CBC piece:

In December 2021, an unexpected find in Montana brought an old tale back to life. A radio collar, fitted on a young female grey wolf from Banff, was discovered hundreds of kilometers away from its original location. This collar hadn't been seen since 2003, marking a mysterious end to an incredible journey for Wolf 57, who had vanished from her pack's range over 18 years ago. "Wolf 57 is another example, almost a decade [after Pluie], of a wolf still being able to make this phenomenal journey," said Jodi Hilty, president and chief scientist of Y2Y. Working to maintain ecological connectivity across vast landscapes helps ensure that animals like Wolf 57 have the corridors they need to move, mate and find food. The story of a collared wolf yet again reveals the critical importance of preserving migration paths for wildlife amidst growing human development. Wolves like Wolf 57 and Pluie the wolf, who inspired Y2Y's mission show us the enduring spirit of wildlife to navigate and survive in changing landscapes. It also highlights the ongoing efforts of conservationists to protect these vital passageways. For a deeper dive into Wolf 57's story, read the full article: https://lnkd.in/gpS_bRjx

The Blackfeet Nation is breathing new life into an ancient tradition through The Shield Keepers, an Indigenous Guardian Program. As they work towards a future where buffalo roam freely across borders, these guardians are reviving the cultural heartbeat of their people. "The buffalo were near extinction, just like the Blackfeet were," says Darrell Hall, one of the Shield Keepers. "We always include the iinii [buffalo] in our prayers—that they come back like we did." The Blackfoot Confederacy is at the forefront of ecological and cultural restoration, integrating the buffalo—a keystone species—back into their ancestral lands. These efforts restore a landscape and a way of life deeply intertwined. With innovative funding models like carbon credits and strategic land acquisitions, the Blackfeet are setting a new standard for environmental and cultural resurgence. The Shield Keepers blend traditional knowledge with modern conservation practices, ensuring a sustainable future for the buffalo and their community. Read the full story of the Blackfeet Nation's remarkable work in a new article by The Narhwal: https://lnkd.in/ggiDGjEe -- The fieldwork for this story was supported by a grant from Y2Y. As per The Narwhal’s editorial independence policy, no foundation or outside organization has editorial input into stories.

Y2Y is seeking a coordinator to join our Communities and Conservation program! This position will support Y2Y’s work to increase human-wildlife coexistence in communities and at-scale across Y2Y, with a focus on sensitive species like grizzly bears and wolverine. Do you enjoy working with others and making an impact? Passionate about wildlife, outdoor recreation, and thriving rural communities? Learn more in the job posting at y2y.net/careers. The position offers flexible location within the Yellowstone to Yukon region with the option to work from Y2Y’s Canmore, Alberta office.

Black bear, black bear, what do you see? I see a camera trap looking back at me! Grizzly and black bears are iconic residents of the Yellowstone to Yukon region, roaming vast stretches of wilderness where people also work, live and explore. With more people and wildlife sharing these spaces, encounters are bound to happen. By understanding where, why, and how these interactions occur, we can find ways to reduce their frequency and create safer experiences for both bears and humans. Tools like camera traps help us track bear movements and share vital information, encouraging communities to live in harmony with their wild neighbors. Photos: [M. Barrueto], [CSKT, MDT & WTI-MSO]

Choosing the right trees is a simple yet powerful step towards living peacefully with wildlife. Opting for bear-safe plantings and managing fruit-bearing trees can significantly reduce human-wildlife conflicts. In regions like British Columbia’s Elk Valley, community efforts have been key in reducing human-wildlife conflicts. From electric fences to fruit tree management programs, residents are taking proactive steps to live in harmony with nature. Read more about strategies that keep our wildlife neighbors safe:

The post may be arriving late ✉️ but you always show up just on time for nature! We're lucky to receive donations from supporters like you in all kinds of ways, including by mail. While we wait for mail to be back in business here in Canada, we encourage you to continue to support charities and non-profits like Y2Y by donating securely online or via phone. 🎁 https://y2y.net/donate/ Every gift you make, whether it's $5 or $100, keeps us steady in our work to connect and protect habitats so people and nature can thrive. Thank you.

Breaking good news! Today, Ross River Dena Council, the Government of Yukon, and Parks Canada announced a national park reserve feasibility study in Yukon Territory. Together, these governments have set the stage for a study that could lead to a national park reserve, offering opportunities for conservation, reconciliation, and sustainable development in the region. We applaud Ross River Dena Council, Yukon Government, and Parks Canada for their collaboration in signing the memorandum of understanding that paves the way for this study. Conservation happens through collaboration. This is an extension of our role which has been working with other conservation partners and Ross River to build support and create the enabling conditions for this step. Work that is possible thanks to your financial support. The feasibility study will be led by Parks Canada in close partnership with Ross River Dena Council and the Yukon Government. The study will evaluate the environmental, cultural, social, and economic factors involved in potentially designating this exceptional area as a national park reserve. This is the second national park feasibility study announced in 2024 for the Yellowstone to Yukon region. The first, in Yukon Territory’s Peel Watershed on Gwich’in and First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun territory, was announced in April 2024. This is a meaningful step toward protecting one of northern Canada’s most ecologically and culturally significant landscapes and supports Canada’s 30x30 goal.

Thrilled to share that Y2Y was honored with the Award for Partnership Excellence at the first annual Healing the Land Conference hosted by Saulteau First Nations! This recognition celebrates our efforts to positively impact the economy and respond to community needs through projects that protect and connect habitats from Yellowstone to Yukon. Y2Y's Landscape Protection Manager, Nicole Olivier represented us at the conference, where Indigenous leaders, government representatives, and conservationists gathered to discuss land healing and ecological restoration. We're committed to supporting Saulteau First Nations in healing the land, revitalizing caribou populations, defending Treaty Rights, and fostering thriving communities. Thank you, Saulteau First Nations, for this honor. Y2Y remains dedicated to making a difference together, supporting local priorities, and promoting community awareness through impactful storytelling and conservation.

Celebrate International Mountain Day with Y2Y! 🌍 Join us on December 11 at 11am MT for ‘Mountains of Knowledge,’ a captivating virtual webinar celebrating efforts to keep our mountains intact. This free event will delve into the groundbreaking insights from the Canadian Mountain Assessment, led by Y2Y’s own Dr. Graham McDowell. Discover how these findings bolster the work of Y2Y and help protect our treasured mountain systems. Our panel will feature key voices from the CMA, offering a unique blend of Indigenous and academic perspectives on mountain systems in Canada. This 90-minute session promises to be an enriching experience, bringing together international participants passionate about mountain issues. Don't miss this opportunity to learn, engage, and contribute to a sustainable future for mountain regions globally. Attendance is free but requires RSVP: https://lnkd.in/gg-abHqA