Number: 1987-17
WHEREAS, the Porcupine caribou herd, which regularly migrates across the international boundary dividing the State of Alaska from the Yukon Territory, is a unique and irreplaceable natural resource of great value that should be maintained and conserved for the benefit of future generations; and
WHEREAS, the governments of Canada and the United States of America have developed a draft agreement (hereinafter Agreement) for conservation of the Porcupine caribou herd, which was initialed by chief negotiators in Seattle, Washington on December 3, 1986, and is being reviewed by both governments prior to signature; and
WHEREAS, the Agreement provides for the joint protection and management of the Porcupine caribou herd; and
WHEREAS, the Agreement is supported by the Wildlife Federation of Alaska, a formal participant in the negotiations; and
WHEREAS, the Agreement omits earlier draft language specifying the protection of habitat occupied by the Porcupine caribou herd; and
WHEREAS, the habitat occupied by these caribou is unique and critical to the existence of the Porcupine caribou herd;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation and Canadian Wildlife Federation in joint annual meeting assembled March 19-22, 1987, in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, strongly urge that the Agreement between the governments of Canada and the United States be concluded as soon as possible, and be implemented in a manner that will ensure the effective conservation of the herd’s habitat; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the International Porcupine Caribou Board, to be established pursuant to the Agreement, develop detailed recommendations to be presented to the governments of Canada and the United States, providing for the protection of the Porcupine caribou herd and its habitat, as soon as possible after the signing of the Agreement.