Connecting Past and Present
April 21, 2025 By: Jessica Kampen
Conservation:
Wolves were seen following a family pet on Vancouver Island, highlighting the presence of these predators within their natural habitat, which is increasingly impacted by human encroachment. This situation directly aligns with Ted Steinberg’s discussion of the conservation of animals. Steinberg emphasizes the important role of predators in maintaining healthy ecosystems by controlling prey populations, preventing overgrazing and disease, and contributing to biodiversity. The CBC article notes that these wolves are typically found in wilderness and rural areas, echoing Steinberg’s point that wildlife rarely listen to authorities and often move outside a park’s boundaries.
Parks:
This article in Cochrane Now is about how Parks Canada looking for public input on the future of the Lake Minnewanka area in Banff National Park. William Cronon discusses how what we consider wilderness has already been shaped and experienced by humans; this is demonstrated in the article as it is referred to as “one of the most popular destinations.” The fact that Parks Canada is seeking input demonstrates that the future of this “wilderness” will be determined by human preferences and priorities over the idealized concept of a pristine state. This is supported by Cronon’s argument that a pristine wilderness is not a reality but a cultural construct; it is the human values and desires over the untouched state of nature. Thankfully, Parks Canada seems to be considering ecological concerns and human requests.
https://cochranenow.com/articles/parks-canada-seeks-input-on-popular-banff-destination