Eagle. Dawson YUKON. Whitehorse. Prince Rupert. Prince George. Keeping Wildlife COLUMBIA. Vancouver. Seattle WASHINGTON OREGON

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1 CONNECTIONS Newsletter Fall/Winter 2015 Photo: Stephen Legault In This Issue A New Era for Y2Y - p1 Teaming Up Along the Waterton Front - p1 Meet Jodi Hilty: Y2Y s New President! - p2 Alberta s Castle Watershed Protected! - p3 We ARE connecting and protecting Fort Good Hope habitat from Yellowstone to Yukon so people and nature can thrive. Eagle Dawson YUKON Whitehorse Keeping Wildlife Connected - p4 Yellowknife NORTHWEST TERRITORIES Recipe for Success - p5 Fort Nelson Prince Rupert Fort St. John ALBERTA Prince George Keeping Wildlife ConnectedBRITISH - p4 COLUMBIA Edmonton Jasper Alberta s Castle Watershed Protected! - p3 Kamloops Vancouver Kelowna Banff Calgary Cranbrook Seattle WASHINGTON Whitefish Spokane MONTANA Missoula Helena Portland The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative is a trans-border, non-profit organization that connects and protects some 2,000 miles (3,200 km) of Rocky Mountain habitat, to support the health of people, wildlife and nature. It s no simple task, but together with our supporters and 130 partners we are making it happen. Kalispell Bozeman OREGON Meet Jodi Hilty: Y2Y s New President! - p2 Boise IDAHO Teaming Up Along the Waterton Front - p1 Jackson WYOMING

2 A New Era for Y2Y We are thrilled to welcome our new President and Chief Scientist, Dr. Jodi Hilty, to the Y2Y team see Jodi s Q&A interview on page 2 to get to know her better! When she starts her new role on November 1, Jodi will build on a long and growing list of Y2Y success stories. Most recent and notable among them, the long-awaited plan to protect the Castle watershed in southwestern Alberta (page 3) will have positive implications for the entire trans-border Crown of the Continent Ecosystem. The historic announcement followed decades of hard work and persistence by Y2Y and partners, and by you, our friends and supporters. And as you ll read in her interview, Jodi was also instrumental in making full protection of the Castle a reality, by leading important research projects that helped illustrate the need for increased protection in the region. Thanks to your support, we can protect bears and other species throughout in the Yellowstone to Yukon region. Photo: Paul Horsley In this newsletter, we feature projects underway by Y2Y and partners, including collaborative conservation efforts along Alberta s Waterton Front (page 1) and innovations in wildlife crossing structures (page 4) over and under busy highways throughout the Yellowstone to Yukon corridor. These projects are only possible with your support. Thank you for being a part of the Yellowstone to Yukon vision! Along southern Alberta s Waterton Front, core wildlife habitat in Waterton Lakes National Park butts right up against ranches and other forms of human development, which constrict movement corridors and increase human-wildlife interactions a major issue for wide-ranging species that use this natural corridor to cross the U.S.-Canada border along Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Fortunately, a few laudable conservation groups have been doing all the right things to connect and protect wildlife habitat in the area, including working closely with local ranchers who share their land with its wild inhabitants. In the long-term effort to keep this area as wild as possible, three organizations stand out above all others: the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Southern Images from top: Peter Mather; Larry Peterson; The People s Way Partnership Sunshine and fall colors brighten the landscape along Alberta s Waterton Front. Photo: Stephen Legault Teaming Up Along the Waterton Front Y2Y s 2015 Ted Smith Award rewards three conservation groups working to protect core habitat and wildlife corridors in southern Alberta Alberta Land Trust Society and the Waterton Biosphere Reserve Association. This October, Y2Y jointly presented the 2015 Ted Smith Award for Conservation Collaboration to all three organizations, recognizing their collective efforts to conserve this critical habitat, and their collaborative work to help ranchers and landowners peacefully co-exist with wildlife throughout southern Alberta. Y2Y established the award to commemorate the life and achievements of Ted Smith a visionary conservationist and passionate ambassador for the Yellowstone to Yukon vision, who was unwavering in his commitment to working collectively toward shared goals.

3 Introducing Jodi Hilty Born and raised in the U.S. Rockies, Jodi Hilty aims to connect and protect the region she loves as Y2Y s new President and Chief Scientist. In this interview, she delves into her unique conservation background and her hopes for the future. What first inspired you about Y2Y? At an international conservation meeting in the highlands of Ecuador in 2006, we were told that the Yellowstone to Yukon region was the most intact mountain ecosystem in the world. I was so inspired to know that all the large carnivores and hooved animals still survive in relatively healthy populations throughout this vast landscape. Recognizing that made me recall so many amazing moments with wildlife across wild landscapes. I returned from Ecuador more deeply inspired by the Rockies than ever. It s my home. How will you advance the Yellowstone to Yukon vision? I will bring my expertise as a wildlife corridor ecologist and a leader in the field of large-landscape conservation. I will also share my passion for connecting and protecting this entire region, as well as the realistic optimism and know-how to make that vision a reality. Through my global experiences, I can bring relevant approaches from around the world to further the Y2Y mission. Finally, I believe that conservation is only possible through the collective efforts of many individuals and groups working together. I greatly enjoy working across partnerships from participating in grassroots community initiatives to engaging with industry and government agencies to inspire conservation at the local, national and international scale. How can other people make a difference? There are many ways to support the vision. You can support Y2Y with a one-time or monthly donation, as this provides resources for conservation action. You can also speak out locally, regionally Pronghorn, like this mother and fawn in Wyoming, are now safer as they travel on their long migrations, thanks to new science-guided policies that protect their wildlife corridors. Photo: Kent Nelson. Dr. Jodi Hilty, Y2Y s President and Chief Scientist and internationally for Y2Y and the work we do. Or, sign up for our newsletters and share these with your friends and colleagues. Everything you do makes a difference! What are three big successes you worked on related to Y2Y? In my role at the Wildlife Conservation Society, I helped develop scientific information that guided the expansion of Nahanni National Park now 3.5 times larger than Yellowstone National Park and oversaw policy efforts to create the first U.S. federallydesignated wildlife corridor, the Path of the Pronghorn, which protects the longest-known migration of pronghorn in Wyoming, between Grant Teton National Park and the Red Desert. I also oversaw the program that conducted science to support the need for expanded land protections in the Crown of the Continent region, linking Montana, Alberta and British Columbia. That effort bore fruit in a big way last month when Alberta announced full protection of the biologically diverse Castle region! What are your hopes and aspirations for the future? When I look at the ecosystem through the eyes of a wolverine one of my favorite critters, because it represents quintessential wilderness I know we need to ensure it has large and intact wild spaces in order to roam throughout the Yellowstone to Yukon region. We need to work hard to limit harmful impacts on its critical habitat from human activities, such as development and natural resource extraction. In this way, the region will continue to be home to amazing wildlife, and wolverines and other wideranging species will remain healthy and thriving into the future

4 Success in Alberta s Castle Watershed! Thanks to your support, together we just took one major step toward trans-border connectivity Photo: Stephen Legault After more than 40 years of pressure from Y2Y and other groups, the Alberta government last month announced the expansion of a wildland park and the creation of a provincial park in the Castle watershed. Located just north of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, the protected areas will conserve more than 250,000 acres (100,000 hectares) of prime wildlife habitat in one of the most biologically rich landscapes in the country. Along with providing critical habitat for grizzly bears, wolverine and west-slope cutthroat trout, the region is part of the Alberta Headwaters a vital source of clean water for millions of people living downstream. The Castle is an integral part of the internationally celebrated Crown of the Continent Ecosystem, and a key piece in the puzzle that would keep wide-ranging wildlife moving north and south throughout the Yellowstone to Yukon region. The most significant aspect of protecting the Castle is that these new parks are not isolated. They form part of a larger landscape in the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem. - Harvey Locke, Y2Y Co-founder and Strategic Advisor The Castle is a continental eco-zone, where species from the north, south, east and west meet in one diverse region, says Y2Y Strategic Advisor Harvey Locke. It is part of the headwaters of the Oldman River important to many downstream users on the dry Canadian Prairies before it flows into Hudson Bay. The landmark decision to protect the Castle is a major success for the conservation community, and follows decades of hard work from everyone who wrote letters, sent s, made phone calls or donated to Y2Y in support of our work in the region. Thank you! Protecting the Flathead River Valley Beyond giving us all a chance to celebrate, the decision to protect the Castle further demonstrates the need for British Columbia (B.C.) to protect their own portion of this region in the Flathead River Valley. Located just south of the Castle, but across the provincial border in southeast B.C., the Flathead has been called the missing piece of Waterton-Glacier, and boasts a wide diversity of species, including grizzly bears and wolverines. For more than a decade, Y2Y, along with Wildsight, Sierra Club BC and CPAWS BC all part of the Flathead Wild team have been working to protect the Flathead permanently, a third of the area as a National Park and the rest of the valley and adjoining habitat as a Wildlife Management Area. Nature knows no borders, says Locke. It s time to bring conservation in that part of B.C. in line with conservation in Alberta and Montana. The now-protected Castle region (dark green) sits right at the top end of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. The Flathead River Valley in B.C. and Montana is outlined in blue. Map courtesy of Flathead Wild. Viewed from this continental perspective, Alberta s historic decision may have positive implications far beyond the province. Once protected areas like the Castle become hard lines on a map, they reveal just how important adjoining regions can be in terms of maintaining transboundary connectivity. And if that ramps up the pressure to protect these regions, all the better

5 Keeping Wildlife Connected Photo: Wendy Francis. Roads are at the root of habitat fragmentation, so finding creative ways to get wildlife safely across them is essential Highways are one of the greatest obstacles to the Yellowstone to Yukon vision. They fragment landscapes, impede wildlife movement and lead to high rates of mortality due to collisions. But with a mix of creativity, hard work and collaboration, Y2Y and partners are leading the way on innovative projects to maintain connectivity across major highways. In Alberta s Banff National Park, for example, Y2Y s previous work with partners on crossing structures over and under the busy Trans-Canada Highway has reduced wildlife collisions by more than 90 percent. That successful model is now being replicated around the world, helping animals of all kinds from grizzly bears and cougars to turtles and salamanders cross roads every day. To build on that success, Y2Y was part of ARC Animal Road Crossing a worldwide design competition to facilitate new innovations in wildlife crossing structures. Held in 2010, the ARC competition focused on reconnecting the North American landscape using less expensive but more effective designs. The global competition inspired several promising designs but so far none had taken the big step from model to construction site. Until now, that is. Plans are underway to build the first prototype along a section of the Trans-Canada Highway east of Canmore, Alberta, using the ARC competition s winning design entry. The structure would The Cost complement an existing and very successful underpass near the community of Dead Man s Flats. That project follows on the heels of similar work to reduce wildlife collisions and improve connectivity across Canada s HWY 3 another major east-west highway that impedes northsouth wildlife movement as it cuts across the Yellowstone to Yukon region. HWY 3 bisects a highly important section north of the U.S.-Canada border; one that threatens to further fragment the landscape and prevent some struggling wildlife populations in the U.S. from connecting to healthier populations in Canada. The Alberta government has approved funding for construction this fall of fencing, signage and a crossing zone for bighorn sheep at Crowsnest Lakes, on the east side of the Continental Divide, and progress has been made toward building an underpass at Rock Creek, near Lundbreck, Alberta. Built in strategic zones where wildlife corridors are known to intersect major highways, these crossing structures will have a major influence on restoring and maintaining connectivity across the Yellowstone to Yukon landscape. Perhaps most importantly, the cutting-edge designs that Y2Y and partners are developing today can be replicated on busy highways around the world wherever animals are hindered from moving through ecosystems in search of food and mates. The Solution In Canada, an estimated four to eight vehicle collisions with large animals happen every hour. Photo: Kent Nelson This underpass on Montana s Route 93 offers a much-needed alternative for getting wildlife across the road. Photo: CSKT, MDT and WTI-MSU.

6 Recipe for Success Dear Friend of Y2Y, When the Alberta Government announced new protections for the Castle watershed, I was elated beyond words. We finally did it! This amazing outcome didn t just happen it was the result of decades of persistence. Thanks to your donations, and your letters, s and phone calls to decision makers, we have together protected more than 250,000 acres (100,000 hectares)! That kind of collective effort can lead to similar positive results in other vital areas throughout the Yellowstone to Yukon region it s just a matter of rolling up our sleeves and making it happen. Please consider a donation today, and help us create the next major announcement! Whether it s a new protected area or a highway overpass, we know it will mean preserving nature and wildlife for future generations. It takes just a few easy clicks to become a monthly Y2Y donor at Thank you for your support! Wendy Francis, Interim President Send your nature story to: w.francis@y2y.net or Attention: Wendy Francis Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative # Railway Avenue Canmore, AB T1W 1P4 Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative CANADA Unit 200, 1240 Railway Ave. Canmore, AB, T1W 1P4 info@y2y.net UNITED STATES P.O. Box 157 Bozeman, MT Tel Fax Toll-free The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative is a 501(c) 3 public charity in the United States, IRS # In Canada, the Initiative is a Registered Canada Revenue 149(1)(f) Charity, Business Number RR0001. Photo: Stephen Legault Together, We Make the Y2Y Vision Possible Your charitable donation to the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative will help connect and protect essential habitat and lead on-the-ground restoration projects that keep our water clean, air pure, wild places wild and communities healthy. Contact Information First Name: Last Name: Address: City: State/Prov: Zip/Postal Code: Phone: I Support Y2Y Yes, I would like to donate $ / month, applied to my credit card on the first (1st) of each month. Yes, I would like to make a one-time donation of $ Payment Method My check is enclosed, made payable to the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative OR Charge my Visa MasterCard AMEX Card Number: Expiry: (MM/YY) Signature: Connect with Y2Y You can call us toll free at (800) , us at info@y2y.net or make a secure donation online at Other giving options: I would like to learn more about how to include Y2Y in my estate planning. I would like to learn more about making a gift of shares or securities