The grizzly bear havens of Yellowstone, Glacier/Waterton, and Banff national parks are world famous. What is less well known is the land bridge -- including the Castle-Bighorn wildlands -- that links these sanctuaries and keeps the parks' grizzlies healthy. Grizzly bears are wide-ranging creatures that need as much as 500 square miles for foraging and breeding in order to sustain healthy family lines. Without the grizzlies' ability to lumber along stretches of the Rockies, the bear populations in national parks would become genetically isolated and unsustainable islands.

A similar fate would befall the wolves, wolverines and other endangered animals that also need the land bridge to remain healthy. This wilderness corridor may be the key to survival for several species, but it is almost as vulnerable as they are. The Castle in particular is under threat from development, logging and gas drilling. This region is a critical feeding ground for grizzlies, as the bears come down from the mountains in search of early spring greenery, and even more so in the fall for the berry crops.

Alberta currently has an opportunity to protect the Castle in the memory of Andy Russell, one of the province's most well known authors and conservationists who passed away in June 2005, at age 89 in Pincher Creek, by the east slopes of the Castle. A skilled outfitter, rancher and storyteller, Andy turned environmental activist as Alberta's wilderness started disappearing. The Castle was his backyard. He described it as "the wild free country laced together by crystal streams."

Although many Albertans have expressed support for protecting the Castle as a tribute to Andy Russell, the Alberta government has not moved forward to safeguard this beautiful region.

Urge Alberta's premier to protect the Castle Wilderness as the Russell Wildland Park.

Photo credits: Lake below Castle Peak, © courtesy Charles Truscott. Wolf, © Daniel Cox, Natural Exposures.