INTRODUCTION TO THE SKEENA HEADWATERS PROJECT
In 1981, the Great Bear Foundation was founded by Dr. Charles Jonkel to preserve all eight species of wild bears around the world and the diverse ecosystems they require for survival. The Skeena watershed is recognized among the richest and most secure grizzly bear habitat left on earth. In 2003, GBF began the Skeena Headwaters Project (SHP) in response to the mounting threats against this internationally celebrated region.
The most significant accomplishment of the Skeena Headwaters Project was the founding of the Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition (SWCC) in 2004. Established after a recent history of aggressive resource extraction without appropriate baseline information of biological and cultural histories, the residents of this region have learned an important lesson: when we fail to sustain the integrity of the wildlife and landscape, it is ultimately the communities of people who suffer. From this realization, years of economic hardship and ecological deterioration in surrounding areas, SWCC has been created by a diverse group of local residents to help guide long range management in the upper Skeena watershed.
GBF’s dedicated presence in the upper Skeena watershed has become a remarkable assembly of efforts from across North America. The Skeena Headwaters Project has gained impressive momentum thanks to the commitment of many individuals, businesses and organizations who whole heartedly believe in a sustainable future for one of the earth’s most robust wild systems of life.
THREATS to the Skeena Region
THE SKEENA HEADWATERS PROJECT GOALS WILL BE ACHIEVED THROUGH A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY OF CONSERVATION BIOLOGY, FIELD RESEARCH, DIGITAL MAPPING, AND COMMUNITY-BASED ADVOCACY.
THE 2004 FIELD SEASON SKEENA HEADWATERS PROJECT LOGGED 6700 VOLUNTEER HOURS
A sincere thanks to the following partners, volunteers,
and supporters for their commitment in 2004/2005:
Anastasia Ledwon, Canadian Helicopters, David Schulman, Dimitri Raskolnikov, Jack Tobin, Jed Clay, Jenny Rasche, Joseph and Maria Fontanetta, Julie White, Kispiox Fishing Co., Len and Irene Vanderstar, Levi Citarella, Marietta Mirabelli, Matt Lewis, Maureen and Tom Williams, Nabbi Patch, Nathan Combs, Nancy Pfleger, National Global Warming Coalition, Nici Holt, Pierce and Anita Clegg @ Babine Norlakes, Rob and Nancy Good, Silver Hilton Steelhead Lodge, Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition, Suskwa River Adventures, Teledu Telesgop, The Allen Family, The Huntington Family, The McPhail Family, The Pitzman Family, Ursus International.
For their generous and considerable fundraising support:
Brenda Thayer, Jeremy Roberts, Leanna Schelvan, and The McCabe Family
And especially Kenny Rabnett, Yvonne Lattie and her family without whose dedication, vision and resilience the Skeena would be a less magnificent place
LIST OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS
FILM PRODUCTION
Together with the Teledu Telesgop film company, SHP produced a grizzly bear conservation film about the upper Skeena watershed.
FOUNDING OF THE SKEENA WATERSHED CONSERVATION COALITION
A coalition made up of an incredibly diverse group of people-- farmers, environmentalists, guide-outfitters, welders, drillers and naturalists-- working together against serious threats to the Skeena watershed.
EXPLORATION OF THE REGION
Discovered documented and mapped the wildlife and First Nation trail networks in 4 major watersheds surrounding the Babine.
WILDLIFE RESEARCH
Documented grizzly bear, wolf, mountain goat, salmon, caribou, and wolverine seasonal activity.
BABINE RIVER STUDIES
Completed a 2 month daily monitoring project of bear/human interaction at the Babine weir and a 6 day Grizzly bear-salmon ecology expedition on the Babine River.
CABIN CONSTRUCTION
Over a dozen volunteers worked for two summers to build a remote field research and education cabin.
CULTIVATED COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Facilitated government, industry and community meetings and workshops
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
SKEENA HEADWATERS PROJECT NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT
YES! I am dedicated to protecting North American natural heritage.
-- Supporting Membership$25-$1000
Benefits:
- One year membership the Great Bear Foundation
- Seasonal newsletter, Bear News
- Copy of annual report
- Collectable Bear Honoring Poster
--Founding Membership >$1000
Benefits:
- Supporting Membership benefits plus:
- Lifetime membership to the Great Bear Foundation
- Slideshow CD of photographs
--Grizzly Legacy Membership >$15,000
Benefits:
- Founding Membership benefits plus:
- An expense paid expedition to explore the incredible Skeena wilderness with one of our guides including a stay at a remote wilderness cabin.
GBF is a registered 501 (c)(3) organization. All donations are tax-deductible.
Please cut along line and return to:
Skeena Headwaters Project, c/o Great Bear Foundation, PO Box 9383, Missoula, Montana 59807
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SKEENA HEADWATERS PROJECT MEMBERSHIP
name:________________________________________ address:_________________________________________
city:__________________________________________ state:_____________ zip code:__________
phone number:___________________ e mail:_______________________________________________________
…it’s true
…and it’s just the beginning.
Grizzly tracks leading to wild salmon along the Skeena River.
SHP volunteers navigate Gizzly Drop in the canyon on the Babine River . 
An undated petroglyph in the Skeena watershed
Discovery of fresh grizzly bear sign along the trail 
Jim Allen, Jed Clay and Nathan Combs framing the field research cabin
Teledu Telesgop film company on site in the Upper Skeena Watershed
.