Mountain caribou are endangered in British Columbia. It’s a big deal: the federal government has threatened to intervene if plans aren’t put in place to protect them. One plan, worked on heavily by First Nations leaders, is receiving praise. But the plan for at least one other region has huge holes and fails to address some key issues.

While protecting caribou habitat may seem like a straight-forward task, the previous BC provincial government run in a majority by the Liberals and the current government run by an NDP-Green partnership is showing that it’s anything but.

From literally selling the rights to cut down trees in the habitat of the endangered caribou during negotiations to killing wolves despite widespread scientific and ethical opposition to a disturbing rise in racist comments and economic disinformation, it’s been a bit of a confusing journey.

As the consultation period winds down – and links to actions on that are included in this week’s show notes – I wanted to take some time to break out the points, challenge the myths, and hear opposing opinions to what industry and politicians have spouted. That’s why we connected with Charlotte Dawe, Conservation and Campaign Manager for Wilderness Committee, who patiently listened to my tangents and walked me through the last year of work on this campaign and how you can be part of the solution.

Take action: https://www.wildernesscommittee.org/SouthernMountainCaribou

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Articles mentioned:

Agreements mark ‘turning point’ for six B.C. caribou herds, but leave most herds hanging
https://thenarwhal.ca/agreements-mark-turning-point-six-b-c-caribou-herds-leave-most-herds-hanging/

500 dead wolves vs. 500 lost jobs: Town balks at potential cost of saving caribou in northeastern B.C.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/caribou-jobs-wolves-chetwynd-northeastern-british-columbia-1.5087317

Northern B.C. leaders pressure province to halt caribou plans
https://www.princegeorgematters.com/local-news/northern-bc-leaders-pressure-province-to-halt-caribou-plans-1368244

Caribou protection plan spawns racist backlash in northeast B.C.
http://thenarwhal.ca/caribou-protection-plan-spawns-racist-backlash-in-northeast-b-c/

West Moberly First Nations chief denounces 'fear mongering' over caribou protection plan
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/caribou-draft-plan-west-moberly-chief-racism-jobs-1.5102961

The 0.1% that trappers contribute to nature-based economics
https://thefurbearers.com/blog/the-01-that-trappers-contribute-to-nature-based-economics

The Fur-Bearers and Defender Radio are proud to announce the launch of a new project: The Young Defenders, a site and podcast to help youth Defend The Future Of Wildlife And The Environment Through Education, Communication and Kindness.

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PJ is the Director of Fashion Policy at the Humane Society of the United States and has played a major role in getting big brands like Armani to drop fur and institute fur-free policies. We had a wonderful conversation about fur, policy, the historic context of the current fight to #MakeFurHistory, and how his method has proven successful. We even got into self-care and what solutions exist for every advocate who wants to see an end to the use of fur in fashion.

Find out more about PJ's work with HSUS at: www.HumaneSociety.org. 

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Defender Radio host Michael Howie spent four days in Belleville, Ontario, where a nearly year-long process to protect beavers after one was found in a trapped reached its conclusion. The interviews included in this episode were recorded in the field with local residents, political leaders, and the inventor of the Beaver Deceiver himself, Skip Lisle.

To donate to The Fur-Bearers' beaver campaign go to: www.TheFurBearers.com/SaveBeavers.

To Read more about The Fur-Bearers' involvement and see more photos from the field, go to: https://thefurbearers.com/blog/victory-protecting-beavers-belleville

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