Outdoors TheReview Wednesday, February 21,1990 — A12 Diseased hybrids . PLAINS BISON A pressing problem has arisen im connection with the manage- ment of the bison in Wood Buffalo National Park in the Fort Smith area of northeastern Alberta and southern N.W.T. The root of the problem undoubtedly stems from the extremely questionable intro- duction of some 6,000 diseased bison from the Wainright herd further south, into Wood’ Buffalo Park. These plains bison brought with them two serious diseases, bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis, which they had contracted from domestic cattle and unfortunately began to cross immediately with the endemic larger subspecies, the wood buffalo. It now appears that over the span of time since the early 1920s, this impressive bison has been replaced in the Park by a severely disease-ridden population of hybrids. For a period of time after the initial introduction of the plains subspecies, the bison population in the park flourished, greatly increasing its numbers. However, of late numbers have been declin- ing with some regularity because of the accelerating spread of dis- ease, mass drownings, range destruction resulting from dam construction, anthrax, hunting, and alleged predator mismanagement. Naturally various interests have taken firm positions on the issue and have proposed specific actions. Local cattlemen whose grazing ranges are beginning to impinge upon Park boundaries fear the spread of disease from the bison to Get OnTi If you own a commercial vessel, including a fishing vessel, 20 metres (65 feet) or more in length, please make sure that you're on our wavelength: 406 MHz. y precise location device on The 406 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), a technological innovation that could save your life, is the fastest and most the market. < Cy Hampson photo their cattle herds, reminding authorities that many millions of dollars have been spent on the eradication of brucellosis from the agricultural regions of the prov- inces and that intemational mar- kets for beef products could be endangered should this disease be allowed to spread. There are many who would vote in favor of killing off the entire Wood Buffale Park herd and replacing them gradually with healthy animals from the MacKen- zié Sanctuary to the north. This herd, though originally numbering only 18 bison, has increased to about 2,000. Still other protagon- ists suggest capturing and examin- ing the entire herd of hybrids with threaten bison herd present situation is particularly urgent in that there js always the danger of wandering individuals from the diseased hybrid herd coming into contact with the healthy MacKenzie Sanctuary herd to the north and introducing the dreaded diseases there, just as Please phone Bamfield Hundreds of wooden blocks, simulating birds, were set adrift recently off the Vancouver Island coast near Bamfield to give scien- lists a better understanding of how many seabirds are killed by oil spills. Anyone finding these blocks is asked to report the number, date and the type of beach on which the block was found. Here are three phone numbers. Bamfield Marine Station — 728- 3301; Ministry of Environment — 387-9654; University of Victoria Biology Department — 721-7103. the Wainright animals infected the Wood Bison, some 60-odd ye. ago. ; And, of course, there is always the perceived spectre of the occur- tence of massive slaughter within the boundaries of a National Park. Nevertheless, having viewed the situation briefly from planes out of Ft. Smith, and on the ground, I am persuaded that the diseased heard ought to be replaced by a healthy At this meeting Staff will Second Saanich Schools FRENCH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE PROGRAMS and FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAMS Schoo! District #63 (Saanich) will present an Information Evening for parents who have a child who will be enrolled in Saanich Schools next year in Primary Year One (formerly Kindergarten) or Primary Year Two (formerly Grade One) on Tuesday, FEBRUARY eT. 1990 7:30 p.m. at Stelly’s Secondary School 1627 Sielly’'s Cross Road ng teachers, principals, and District rovide information on both French As A anguage and French Immersion Pro- grams. Parent volunteers will also be present to answer questions On a one-to-one basis. ces a view to killing off all diseaseqd 0°" d individuals. ‘Various interests have When it’s time...... faken firm positions on the issue and have pro- Posed specific actions’ However, this would seem vir- tually impossible when consider- ing a vast area larger than Switzer- land and containing very difficult and varied physical terrain. Natives fear the loss of an important food reserve as well as being deeply concerned that should the entire herd vanish, it will never again return. Could the entire area be adequately fenced and patrolled? Not likely, say the experts. We are also reminded that the to make your move! contact NORM TODD <€ Our Guarantee to you. An accurate and prompt evaluation of your Property, at no obligation. Before making a bp. decision, KNOW THE FACTS. A call to me * COULD BE WORTH MONEY TO YOU IMG 56-001 201 BEACON AVENUE, SIDNEY. B.C. PEMBERTON. In addition, this signal allows us to identify your vessel — thanks to the registration card you filed with us when you got your EPIRB. We'll know the type of vessel we're looking for, as well as your location. Say [J \/ e Right Wavelength When activated in an emergency, the 406 MHz EPIRB emits a specially coded signal allowing us to pinpoint your location at sea within a range of two kilometres. Within moments of receiving your EPIRB signal, we can begin to implement the appropriate rescue procedure. Remember: All Canadian commercial vessels over 20 metres (65 feet) in length must conform to the new regulation by having a 406 MHz EPIRB on board. For information on how to acquire and register an EPIRB, please contact your nearest Canadian Coast Guard office or phone 1-800-267-6687.