March 2, 2000 For Immediate Release

The University of Northern British Columbia's Muskwa-Kechika Research Professorship is being named in honour of esteemed BC biologist Ian McTaggart-Cowan. The announcement was made by Environment, Lands, and Parks Minister Joan Sawicki and UNBC President Charles Jago.

"This is a richly deserved honour," says Sawicki, trustee of the Muskwa-Kechika Trust Fund. "Ian McTaggart-Cowan has devoted his life to the cause of conservation in BC and has inspired thousands to follow in his footsteps. In the process, the people and species of British Columbia have benefited immeasurably."

The Muskwa-Kechika research professorship was created in April, 1999 with funding from the Muskwa-Kechika Trust Fund. The $900,000 contribution to UNBC's Northern Land Use Institute is funding public seminars, student research, community participation, the development of research priorities, and the establishment of the professorship. The position will operate primarily out of Fort St John and Fort Nelson and will coordinate research into wilderness management, working with local people to develop strategies for sustainable resource management. It is expected that the University will make an appointment to the position within the next few weeks.

"As a leading biologist, Dr McTaggart-Cowan has a reputation for conservation in BC that is second to none," says Jago. "The University is proud to continue our relationship with Dr McTaggart-Cowan that began with his outstanding contribution to our Library. In 1997, he was awarded an honorary degree."

Dr McTaggart-Cowan, 89, is recently retired as Chair of the Public Advisory Board of the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund after 19 years. On February 25th, he was honoured at Government House for his outstanding contributions to biology and conservation in BC. He is a former Dean of Graduate Studies at UBC and Chancellor of the University of Victoria. He is the author of more than 260 publications, 110 television programs, and 12 teaching films.