January 13, 2000 For Immediate Release

The University of Northern British Columbia and the Muskwa-Kechika Management Board are hosting a series of public presentations in Fort St John and Fort Nelson to raise awareness of research opportunities in the Northern Rockies.

Presentations are scheduled for each community and the first is in January:

The Effects of Human-Caused Disturbance on Wildlife
Dr Michael Gillingham, UNBC Biology professor
Thursday, January 20, at 7:30pm in the Fort Nelson Town Square (Raven Room), and Saturday, January 22, at 7:30pm in the Fort St John Cultural Centre (Carpet Room).

Future presentations will be given by UNBC Forestry professor Katherine Parker (February), Biology professor Alex Hawley (March), and Max Blouw, UNBC's Associate Vice-President of Research (April). The topics of their presentations will be confirmed at a later date. The talks will outline the kinds of research being done in the Muskwa-Kechika, or similar regions, and the kinds of research that need to be done to achieve the integrated resource management objectives of the region.

Last spring, the Muskwa-Kechika Management Board invested $900,000 with UNBC and the University's Northern Land Use Institute to be used, in part, to develop a research plan for the Northern Rockies. Considered one of the most spectacular and wildlife diverse regions on the planet, there are unique opportunities for research to determine how best to balance wildlife habitat with resource development opportunities. With protected areas and special management zones, the region is nearly double the size of Vancouver Island.

The funding is also supporting the appointment of a research professor (closing date: January 15th), student research, and the community presentations.