WE ARE ...making connections, naturally

2011 Annual Report WE ARE ...protecting and maintaining one of the world’s last mountain ecosystems

Table of Contents

Letter from Our Chairpersons 1 The Story of Y2Y 2 The Yellowstone to Yukon Region 4 In 2011, Y2Y… 5 WE ARE…seeing results 6 Collaborate 8 Educate 10 Protect 12 Connect 14 Restore 16 Supporting the Community 19 Y2Y’s Investment in the Community 20 Y2Y Team 23 Financials 24 Our Funders 25

2011 Y2Y Annual Report Cover: Banff National Park, Alberta. Photo by Michael Interisano. Inside Cover: Mountain goat. Photo by Joe Riis, International League of Conservation Photographers Flathead RAVE. Back Cover: Hawk, Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Wyoming. Photo by Kent Nelson. Letter from Our Chairpersons

We were standing outside Troy, Montana, looking out at sustainable solutions to come to the forefront—and by low-lying hills, sagging fences, and some old, run-down “sustainable,” we mean solutions that balance the long-term shacks. It’s not the picture of natural beauty you’d find interests of both wildlife and human communities. on the cover of National Geographic magazine, but to us We want this unique natural world to be here for and our partners, The Vital Ground Foundation—not to our grandchildren to enjoy. But as we see continuing mention the grizzlies that depend on this area to travel from disappearance of habitat and species from their natural one habitat to the next—it was a treasure worth protecting. ranges, we realize that nature is vulnerable. Climate change is The vision of connecting core habitats from Wyoming’s intensifying the situation, prompting wildlife and ecosystems Yellowstone National Park to the Yukon Territory in literally to move northward or to higher elevations in order northern Canada is daunting. But when you think about the to thrive and even, increasingly, to survive. landscape as puzzle-sized pieces that need to fit together, As board members, we are proud that the Y2Y vision is and then work with partners to keep it together, you realize recognized as a global conservation model in the face of it is achievable. these challenges. Y2Y’s transboundary approach ensures we Protecting that piece of land outside Troy is the Yellowstone take care of the entire ecosystem, not just those parts within to Yukon vision in action. And as we look back on 2011, we our borders. And the vastness of the strategy gives nature appreciate that action comes in various forms. Sometimes it’s a chance to respond so that we will still find the region’s about influencing policy to protect sensitive ecosystems from native vegetation in years to come. development, or providing the scientific data to help land The achievements outlined in this 2011 Annual Report managers make wise decisions. It can be as simple as installing give us hope for the future: hope that we will still be able bear-proof garbage bins to reduce wildlife-human conflict, to see grizzlies in the wild, to drink clean, glacier-fed water, or as complicated as creating a shared regional conservation and to experience solitude while hiking in the mountains. plan with 66 different groups. No matter how simple or It’s a dream we hold not only for our children, but our complicated, each action helps to complete the puzzle. grandchildren too. As you read through the pages of this report, you’ll see that collaboration is the primary tenet of our work. Ranchers, anglers, hikers, residents, industry, First Nations, government, Yours in conservation, and conservationists alike all treasure this unique mountain ecosystem, and together WE ARE protecting it. That is, by working together, the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y) helps facilitate the connections that allow

Charles Chester Sarah Palmer Chairperson Chairperson Montana Board of Directors since 2011 Alberta Society Board of Directors since 2011 Board Member since 2005 Board Member since 2008

2011 Y2Y Annual Report 1 The Story of Y2Y

It’s a Human Problem The Spaces in Between Over 100,000 grizzlies once roamed from Mexico to Alaska, The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative but the expansion of human settlement dramatically represents an approach to conservation that differs from reduced the bears’ range. Today few grizzlies are found the traditional protected areas method. It’s one that looks south of Yellowstone National Park, and grizzly populations beyond protected islands, and considers the spaces in are missing from some areas north of Yellowstone, such as between. The vision is to connect core habitats, ensuring central and northern Idaho, and southwestern Montana. that wildlife can move throughout the landscape that Unless reconnected with their counterparts farther north, stretches from Yellowstone National Park some 2,000 miles Yellowstone’s grizzlies are in jeopardy. (3,200 km) north to the Yukon Territory. The loss of grizzlies isn’t just a wildlife problem: it’s a human problem. Grizzlies need large, intact landscapes with diverse A Global Model ecosystems to survive. Their health signals the health not Y2Y and this continental-scale conservation strategy only of other species, but also of ecosystems and watersheds provide a global model for the reconciliation of humanity on which people rely. and nature. This approach not only remedies genetic The Yellowstone to Yukon region is one of the last intact isolation and the loss of habitat, but scientists believe it is mountain ecosystems in the world. Over 16 million people also big enough to allow wildlife and vegetation to adapt to depend on the water arising from this region, an area that our most pressing issue - climate change. includes six of the world’s 50 largest rivers. Decreasing In 2011, Y2Y was featured in President Obama’s America’s grizzly numbers in the southern portion of this region signal Great Outdoors report, as well as the world’s premier serious issues, which increasingly are seen farther north, and scientific magazine,Nature , as a leading example of how to which need to be addressed or prevented to protect both approach large-landscape conservation. wildlife and people.

source of water ? for 16 million people

Grizzly habitat once Human development The health of grizzlies By protecting, connecting, reached from Alaska to greatly reduced and indicates the health of the and restoring this critical Mexico. fragmented grizzly habitat. entire regional ecology, landscape, we can benefit including things that impact both humans and wildlife. humans, like water. Y2Y Mission

People working together to maintain and restore the unique natural heritage of the Yellowstone to Yukon region.

2 2011 Y2Y Annual Report WE ARE ...protecting wildlife and human life

“There are lots of groups out there working on very important, but narrowly focused, projects. Y2Y is able to bring them together in an integrated way that makes the collective effort that much more powerful.” Adam Switalski Science Program Director of Wildlands CPR & Y2Y Partner

2011 Y2Y Annual Report 3

Grizzly cub, Grand Tetons, Wyoming. Photo by D. Simon Jackson. The Yellowstone to Yukon Region Eagle Northwest Territories

Dawson 12 Fort Good Hope 12 Priority Areas Yukon 12. Peel Watershed

11. Upper Liard Basin

10. Wolf Lake Ecosystem Whitehorse

9. Greater Nahanni Watershed 10 9 Yellowknife 8. Muskwa-Kechika

7. Peace River Break 11

6. Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks Fort Nelson 5. Crown of the Continent 8

4. Cabinet-Purcell Mountain Corridor

3. Central Idaho Complex

Fort St. John 2. High Divide Prince Rupert 1. Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem 7

British Prince George Columbia Alberta

The Approach Edmonton Jasper It’s the Big Picture. Grounded in Science. 6 Carried Out in Collaboration. Kamloops Banff The work that we do is multifaceted. We carry forth the Calgary big-picture Yellowstone to Yukon vision, and help create Vancouver Kelowna strategies and support on-the-ground projects that realize three main goals: protect core habitats, keep them Cranbrook connected, and restore connections where they are lost. Seattle Based on geographic characteristics and conservation needs, Whitefish the Yellowstone to Yukon region is divided into 12 Priority WashingtonSpokane Kalispell Areas. We bring together the right people in the right place 4 5 Montana to develop regional conservation strategies—grounded in Portland Missoula science—which contribute to realizing the larger Y2Y vision. Helena By investing in the conservation community in 2011, we put the plan into action. Bozeman 3 Oregon 2 Boise 1

Idaho Jackson

Wyoming

4 2011 Y2Y Annual Report North – Protect In 2011, Y2Y... The north zone is the most intact part of the Yellowstone to Eagle Yukon region, with few roads, little settlement, and modest Partnered with 118 organizations. Northwest Territories development. 118 12 Dawson Fort Good Hope • Only 3.8% of land (roughly the size of Vermont) is protected from development. • Home to more than 12,000 grizzly bears. Yukon $370,000 Distributed over $370,000 • 44,000 people benefit from the three major rivers and US ($360,000 CAN) to the the headwaters arising in this area.* conservation community. • Wood bison and woodland caribou are threatened Whitehorse with extinction. Goal: Keep it wild. 10 9 Yellowknife 60 * includes the Yukon, Peel, and Mackenzie rivers, whose headwaters include Participated in 60 projects. the Liard River. 11

Center – Connect And Together with Our Partners, WE... Fort Nelson 8 It has one of the largest contiguous blocks of protected lands in the Yellowstone to Yukon region. Protected 405,100 acres (163,938 • Some 18.5% of land (approximately the size of West 405,100 ha) of land. Virginia) is protected from development. Fort St. John Prince Rupert • Home to as many as 5,000 grizzlies. 7 • 4.3 million people benefit from the seven major rivers and their headwaters arising in this area.** Maintained the protection of over British Prince George • American badgers, westslope cutthroat trout, and 13mil 13 million acres (5,260,913 ha) of Columbia short-eared owls are at risk here. land. Alberta Goal: Keep it connected. Edmonton Jasper ** includes the Peace, Athabasca, Stikine, Nass, and Skeena rivers, as well as the 6 Fraser River, whose headwaters include the Thompson River, and the Nelson River, in turn whose headwaters include the Bow and North Saskatchewan rivers. Conducted 10 scientific studies Kamloops Banff 10 that will help inform our regional Calgary strategies, and help to protect Vancouver Kelowna South – Restore 260,000 acres (105,218 ha) of land. Cranbrook It has more private lands than the other two regions, and a greater density of trails, roads, highways, and railroads. Seattle Whitefish • Some 15% of land (more than twice the size of Hawaii) Kalispell 6,000 WashingtonSpokane is protected from development. Helped reduce conflicts with bears 4 5 Montana • Home to fewer than 1,500 grizzly bears. 15 by collecting 6,000 lb. (2,721 kg) Portland Missoula of fruit, installing 15 food storage • 11 million people benefit from the three major rivers 34 Helena poles, and distributing 34 bear- and their headwaters arising in this area.*** spray cans. Bozeman • Grizzly bears, whooping cranes, and bull trout top the 3 Oregon endangered species list here. 2 Goal: Restore and reconnect degraded habitats. Boise 1 *** includes the Columbia River, whose headwaters include the Kootenay/ Reached over 11 million Idaho Jackson Kootenai, Snake, and Salmon rivers, the Colorado River, in turn whose 11mil people with information about headwaters includes the Green River, and the Mississippi River, whose conservation issues, behaviors, and headwaters in the Missouri drainage arise in Montana. actions supporting the Y2Y vision. Wyoming

2011 Y2Y Annual Report 5 WE ARE ...seeing results

A Conversation with Rob What do you think were Y2Y’s top three achievements in 2011? Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative’s Narrowing it to just three is so limiting. Stopping the Executive Director, Rob Buffler, gives his personal proposed open-pit coal mine in BC’s Flathead River perspective on this past year, and the future direction Valley, and securing a legislated mining and energy of Y2Y. development ban in the region was a just-in-time success, won through a multi-year, collaborative effort. So that feels very good. Playing a major role in protecting part of the only grizzly corridor on 71 acres (29 ha) of private land on Highway 2 near Troy, Montana, was also very important, both for wildlife and the collaborative process. And if I could shift gears from “on the ground” to “hearts and minds” progress, the third achievement would be launching Yellowstone to Yukon: The Journey of Wildlife and Art exhibit. With the enthusiastic support and cooperation from Jackson’s National Museum of Wildlife Art and Banff’s Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, we touched a whole new audience of people Rob Buffler, Executive Director since 2003. that we believe will now understand, embrace, and invest in the Yellowstone to Yukon vision.

6 2011 Y2Y Annual Report What does Y2Y do for its partners? What does the future hold? In the broadest terms, we help partners envision The future holds great promise and hope! Y2Y had its and implement their own work in the context of best year ever in 2011 for fundraising and support from continental-scale conservation goals. Networking individuals, foundations, and government agencies. and collaboration are a big part of that. It takes That’s another tremendous success, and it reflects Y2Y’s effort, time, and money to create a framework for acceptance as an important and legitimate endeavor groups to come together to explore ways in which in large-scale conservation. Surely one explanation for they might cooperate and benefit from one another. the great year is enhanced leadership and capacity. So Y2Y serves as a bridge toward that end. We also Our active and committed board was complemented support partners through large and small grants for by three new board members, who are already using a wide range of purposes, from land purchases, to their talents and energy to Y2Y’s great benefit. We also research, to procuring bear-proof containers. Another added to our team of high-caliber staff and contractors significant way in which we contribute is by expanding in both Canada and the US. Their efforts enabled us and sharing information as well as scientific data. We to deliver the suite of programs and campaigns that is commission reports and conduct research to ensure central to reaching Y2Y objectives. With this team and that we, our partners, and decision-makers have the strong community support, we are making headway best information possible to use in directing and toward the Y2Y vision. shaping on-the-ground conservation work.

2011 Y2Y Annual Report 7

Photo by Pat Morrow. Collaborate Collaboration—It’s in Our DNA Everything we do, we do with partners. It is why and how communities and organizations, scientists, researchers, and Y2Y came to be. businesses—all working toward the same vision. Early adopters of the Yellowstone to Yukon vision realized Our primary function is to bring people together to develop how big a task lay ahead. They saw a need to have shared goals and efficient conservation strategies to protect one dedicated organization overseeing the big-picture and maintain this intact mountain ecosystem. In areas where vision: an organization that would lead and develop the there isn’t anyone to speak for nature, Y2Y fills the gap. collaborations that were undoubtedly needed to get the job This vision is too big for one organization to achieve alone. done across this 2,000-mile (3,200 km) landscape. The successes highlighted in this 2011 Annual Report are Since then, Y2Y has been more than an organization. It’s the result of the dedicated work of this community—Y2Y a community of partners—grassroots and community along with our 118 partners. groups, government agencies, funders (both institutional and individual), Native American and First Nations

WE ARE... a team of 118 organizations

Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development • Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (Bear Smart) • Alberta Wilderness Association • Alberta Wolverine Working Group • American Wildlands • Anatum Ecological Consulting Ltd. • BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations • Birchdale Ecological • Bird Studies Canada • Bow Valley Naturalists • British Columbia Conservation Foundation • Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) – British Columbia, Northern Alberta, Southern Alberta, and Yukon Chapters • Castle-Crown Wilderness Coalition • Center for Large Landscape Conservation • Chicago Zoological Society – Brookfield Zoo • Citizens for the Wyoming Range • Conservation International • Conservation Northwest • Craighead Institute • Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area • Crown of the Continent Conservation Initiative • Crowsnest Conservation Society • Defenders of Wildlife • Diversified Environmental Consulting • Driftwood Foundation • Dwayne Harty • Earthfire Institute • EcoAdapt • Ecotrust Canada • Flathead Lake Biological Station • Flathead Wild Campaign • Fraser Headwaters Alliance • Freedom to Roam Coalition • Friends of Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge • Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness • Ghost Watershed Alliance Society • Great Bear Foundation • Great Burn Study Group • Hawkins Creek Stewardship Committee • Headwaters Montana • Heart of the Rockies Initiative • Hells Canyon Preservation Council • Idaho Conservation League • Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance • Jasper Environmental Association • Keystone Conservation • Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative • Kootenai Valley Sportsmen Association • Leanne Allison • Lincoln Institute of Land Policy • McLeod Lake Indian Band • Miistakis Institute for the Rockies • National Museum of Wildlife Art • National Parks Conservation Association • National Wildlife Federation • Nature Alberta • Nature Conservancy of Canada • Nature Conservancy of Canada – Alberta and British Columbia Regions • Nikki Heim • Ninemile Wildlife Workgroup • North Kootenay Lake Bear Smart Program • Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative • Parks Canada • Peace Valley Environment Association • Peace/Williston Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program • People’s Way Partnership • Practitioners’ Network for Large Landscape Conservation • Resource Media • Rock Creek Alliance • Roundtable on the Crown of the Continent • Sarah Rovang • Saulteau First Nations • Selkirk Conservation Alliance • Shift Consulting • Sierra Club BC • Sierra Club Canada • The Banff Centre • The Land Conservancy of BC • The Murie Center • The Nature Conservancy – Montana and Idaho • The Nature Trust of British Columbia • The Trust for Public Land • The Vital Ground Foundation • The WILD Foundation • The Wilderness Society • The Williams Law Firm PLLC • Trans-border Grizzly Bear Project • Treaty 8 Tribal Association • University of Alberta • University of Calgary • University of Montana • University of Washington • US Fish and Wildlife Service • US Forest Service • US Geological Survey • Valley Advocates for Responsible Development • Water Matters Society of Alberta • Watershed Consulting • West Athabasca Watershed Bioregional Society • West Moberly First Nations • Western Environmental Law Center • Western Transportation Institute • Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies • Wild Rockies Field Institute • WildCanada Conservation Alliance • Wilderness Committee • Wildlands CPR • Wildlife Conservation Society • Wildlife Conservation Society Canada • Wildsight • Wyoming Outdoor Council • Yaak Valley Forest Council • Yukon Conservation Society

8 2011 Y2Y Annual Report Synergy and Serendipity

The Cabinet-Purcell Mountain Corridor Collaboration What seems like an obvious concept now—the cooperative framing of conservation goals for the whole Cabinet-Purcell region—was a novel idea when Y2Y first brought together the many diverse groups already working in the area. Now, some 65 organizations are part of the Cabinet-Purcell Mountain Corridor project, which meets twice a year. “The process is not so much about creating new projects as it is building on existing ones in a way that adds value,” says Philip Hough, Executive Director of Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness. He knows this firsthand. At the spring 2011 Cabinet- Purcell collaborative meeting, Hough shared a big surprise from a carnivore study in which his organization was involved: fishers (cousins of the pine marten and wolverine) are living in the west Cabinet Mountains! These rare forest carnivores hadn’t been seen in the area for two decades. Robert Rasmussen of the Trust for Public Lands (TPL) heard Hough’s striking news, and used the findings to support TPL’s funding request for a 6,850 acre (2,772 ha) conservation easement on which he was working in the McArthur Lake corridor area of Idaho. “Being able to point to fishers in the area really strengthened our funding proposal,” says Rasmussen. “Without this opportunity to meet and share information, I wouldn’t have known they were out there. Through this collaboration, we can build on one another’s efforts and work toward achieving Y2Y’s continental-scale goals.” In 2006, Y2Y invited a number of organizations, agencies, and researchers working in the Cabinet-Purcell region to discuss issues and needs. Together, the group developed a collective conservation strategy and framed specific goals. Today, Y2Y continues to facilitate and lead the collaboration toward achieving those goals.

2011 Y2Y Annual Report 9

Volunteers setting up a beaver carcass for a wolverine study. Photo courtesy of Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness. Educate Love Leads to Protection People are the cornerstone of the Y2Y vision. The more But perhaps the project of which we are most proud, people who love nature, the more people there are available and which educates people about the Y2Y vision is the to protect it. Cultivating this love for nature and the Y2Y Yellowstone to Yukon: The Journey of Wildlife and Art exhibit. vision, and teaching people how to live with wildlife is a big Eight years in the making, this exhibit includes over 150 part of what Y2Y and our partners do. years of wildlife art that visually represents the Yellowstone In 2011, we awarded over half of our annual competitive to Yukon region and underlines the issues this landscape Partner Grants to projects that help achieve this goal (see and its wildlife face (see p11). p20). One such recipient was the People’s Way Partnership, From providing a service to reduce human-wildlife which used remote-camera wildlife images from Montana’s encounters, to wildlife art, Y2Y is committed to Highway 93 wildlife crossings to captivate children and supporting the programs that grow our love for the explain how these structures save the lives of both people places we seek to protect. and animals. Based on the artwork children made for their poster contest, we believe they clearly get the connection. Another grant recipient, the Great Bear Foundation, protected Missoula residents and bears through their Bears and Apples program. Over 6,000 lb. (2,721 kg) of fallen apples that otherwise would lure hungry bears into backyards were collected by the program’s volunteers. The apples were then either made into cider or given to local food banks.

WE ARE ...cultivating a love for the natural world

10 2011 Y2Y Annual Report

Poster contest submission by Korrie Frisk, a Ronan Middle School 7th grader. Image courtesy of the People's Way Partnership. Top row: (left to right) Creators of Yellowstone to Yukon: The Journey of Wildlife and Art exhibit, (from left) Harvey Locke, Dwayne Harty, Michale Lang, Dr. Jim McNutt, and Dr. Adam Duncan Harris. Photo by Bronwyn Minton. • Strength and Vulnerability, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. Painting by Dwayne Harty. • Dwayne Harty painting en plein air on the Ram Plateau, Nahanni National Park Reserve. Photo by Harvey Locke. Bottom row: (left to right) Lake McArthur, 1925, oil on canvas, by Carl Rungius. Image courtesy of the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies • Plains Bison: Little America, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Painting by Dwayne Harty.

It’s Conservation Through Art! Yellowstone to Yukon: The Journey of Wildlife and Art “We haven’t met, but how would you like to paint the In the summer of 2011 the show launched at the 2,000-mile (3,200 km) long Yellowstone to Yukon corridor?” National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson and attracted This question, posed by Y2Y’s Strategic Advisor, Harvey international media attention. The United Kingdom’s Locke, to Canadian wildlife artist Dwayne Harty, launched scientific journalNature , for example, published a full- a multi-year project that would lead to the creation of the page article describing how the art engages visitors with Yellowstone to Yukon: The Journey of Wildlife and Art exhibit. conservation issues. The project, conceived and supported by Y2Y, is a While media accolades are appreciated, the most rewarding collaboration of work by Dwayne Harty and the permanent reaction to the exhibit has been from the 13,000 people collections of the National Museum of Wildlife Art in who have seen it. “Y2Y = Splendid! Glorious! Marvelous!” Jackson, Wyoming and the Whyte Museum of the Canadian commented a visitor from Wisconsin. Rockies in Banff, Alberta. “It is an art show about conservation,” says Locke, “and that is an important distinction because it has not been done “The Y2Y is just a beautiful exhibit. Even my 17-year- before. Usually things that involve conservation use the art as a support, but this is an art exhibit about conservation. The old son enjoyed it as part of our adventure trip!” conservation story is inherent in the art that we assembled.” Visitor, Pennsylvania

2011 Y2Y Annual Report 11 Protect - Y2Y North Overview The northern third of the Y2Y region is the only area where Second, a collaborative* effort to protect the Peel development is the exception and natural wildlands the Watershed came one step closer when, on July 25th, an rule. It has few roads, little human settlement, moderate independent planning commission recommended to development, and a collection of protected lands roughly the Yukon government that 80% of the Peel be protected, the size of Vermont. We have one goal here: keep it wild! including one continuous area where new roads or Although climate change is altering the face of the industrial development would not be allowed. Y2Y weighed landscape, the geographic diversity and intact nature of the in with our perspective to the planning commission during north give plants and wildlife the best chance to adapt and the public consultation phase of the process. survive. This makes protecting it critical. The fate of this Florida-sized swath of land now lies in the hands In 2011, Y2Y made headway in two of its five Priority Areas of the Yukon government. Y2Y and an alliance of Canadian in the north. conservation groups—including Yukon-based organizations, First Nations, and tourism operators—will continue to show First, we completed a ground-breaking scientific study that the Yukon government that the entire continent is paying will help strengthen protection of one of Canada’s wildest attention and supports the final recommendations made by areas: northern British Columbia’s Muskwa-Kechika (see p 13). the Peel Watershed Planning Commission.

Y2Y North Map

12. Peel Watershed Eagle Northwest Territories 11. Upper Liard Basin Dawson 12 Fort Good Hope 10. Wolf Lake Ecosystem

9. Greater Nahanni Watershed Yukon

8. Muskwa-Kechika

Whitehorse 7. Peace River Break 2011 Project Location 10 9 6. Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks Yellowknife

5. Crown of the Continent 11

4. Cabinet-Purcell Mountain Corridor 8 Fort Nelson 3. Central Idaho Complex

2. High Divide

Prince Rupert 1. Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Fort St. John 7

British Prince George Columbia

Objectives 2011 Achievements Protect 100% of the Peel Watershed. The Peel Watershed Planning Commission recommended that 80% of the Peel be protected. Restore the Muskwa-Kechika to its stature as one of the Y2Y completed a conservation and climate assessment of world’s best-managed landscapes. the Muskwa-Kechika.

* Partners include the Yukon Conservation Society and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society—Yukon.

12 2011 Y2Y Annual Report WE ARE ...keeping it wild

Cutting Edge Science Faces Off With Climate Change The Muskwa-Kechika Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change Assessment “Land managers caring for northern British Columbia’s protect M-K landscapes in light of climate change; it Muskwa-Kechika Management Area need tools to should give us all hope.” make wise decisions in the face of climate change,” says The report identifies areas outside protected Wendy Francis, Y2Y’s Program Director. “And that is landscapes that are in need of protection due to their where science comes in.” importance to wildlife, their biological diversity, or In 2011, Y2Y completed a report based on the latest their rarity. It also suggests areas where development planning tools to help highlight the conservation proposals should be assessed carefully so as to avoid values of the greater Muskwa-Kechika (M-K) ecosystem. negative impacts on conservation values. Finally, it According to one of the project’s partners, Chloe highlights places most likely to be impacted by climate O’Loughlin, Executive Director of the Canadian Parks change. and Wilderness Society – BC Chapter (CPAWS- The study, commissioned by the Muskwa-Kechika BC), the report is far-sighted. With budget cuts and Advisory Board, with funding from Wilburforce development pressure looming in the M-K, the timing Foundation, and completed in collaboration with couldn’t be better. CPAWS-BC and Gregory Kehm Associates, will be “Very few people have tried to tackle the complex published and distributed in 2012. question of how to protect habitat when climate change will radically rearrange entire ecosystems,” says O’Loughlin. “Y2Y’s report explains very clearly how to

2011 Y2Y Annual Report 13

Kakwa Provincial Park, British Columbia. Photo by Dav Martinson. Connect - Y2Y Center Overview The center is the area with one of the largest contiguous with our regional partners, and lays out an alternative future blocks of protected lands in the Yellowstone to Yukon for this precious landscape. region. Our goals are to keep these protected lands Farther south, Y2Y and our partners continued to make connected, while also connecting people with nature. Alberta and British Columbia’s Highway 3 safer for wildlife The Peace River Break Priority Area was at the top of our and motorists, and worked to recover Alberta’s Threatened project list in 2011. It is a critical north-south and east-west grizzlies. Also, growing questions about appropriate wildlife connection zone, but a narrow one at that. Projects development in Canada’s national parks, namely the that further narrow the region jeopardize wildlife movement. Glacier Discovery Walk, a 1,300-ft. (400 meter) glass-floored Our first priority was to help our partners fight the most walkway that will be suspended above Sunwapta Valley in immediate threat to wildlife movement: construction of Jasper National Park, attracted our attention. the Site C dam and reservoir on the Peace River. Together Y2Y supported the efforts of our partners to oppose we achieved the first of many steps in this battle, and this inappropriate development in a national park. We helped ensure the project will undergo the most stringent also submitted formal comments to the environmental environmental review possible (see p15). assessment process conducted by Parks Canada. 12. Peel Watershed 11 We also achieved our second priority, to develop a long- Unfortunately the project was approved and construction term conservation11. Upper Liard plan Basin for the entire Peace River Break. For is underway, but these efforts have renewed a debate about the first time, a shared, long-term vision was completed National Park priorities. 10. Wolf Lake Ecosystem 8 Fort Nelson 9. Greater Nahanni Watershed

Y2Y8. Center Muskwa-Kechika Map

7. Peace River Break Prince Rupert Fort St. John 6. Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks 7 5. Crown of the Continent 2011 Project Location British Prince George 4. Cabinet-Purcell Mountain Corridor Columbia 3. Central Idaho Complex Alberta Edmonton 2. High Divide Jasper 1. Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem 6

Kamloops Banff Calgary Vancouver Kelowna

Cranbrook

Seattle Whitefish WashingtonSpokane Kalispell 4 5 Montana Objectives 2011Portland Achievements Missoula Prevent construction of the Site C dam. Site C dam will undergo the most stringent environmental review process possible. Develop a shared vision of the Peace River Break with our A first version of a long-term vision was created. partners. Defend the integrity of Canada’s mountain National Parks. Y2Y representatives formally spoke out against inappropriate development in Banff and Jasper national parks.

14 2011 Y2Y Annual Report Defending a Special Place Site C Dam It’s the third time construction of the Site C dam on advocated for a joint federal-provincial environmental BC’s Peace River has been proposed in the past 30 review panel to conduct the assessment. years. “We are working every angle we can to defeat “It’s the highest possible scrutiny,” explains Francis. this project for good,” says Wendy Francis, Y2Y “It’s also the best way to ensure that all of the issues, Program Director. including wildlife movement, are explored in a full and Located at the narrowest point of the Yellowstone to transparent fashion.” Yukon landscape, the resulting reservoir could create The campaign worked and the joint review process will a pinch point that would cut off wildlife movements, be implemented next year. “Y2Y will provide the panel potentially severing the north and center sections of with scientific data to underscore the effects this and the entire region. the two other dams on the river will have on wildlife Y2Y, the Peace Valley Environment Association, Treaty movement throughout the area,” adds Francis. 8 Tribal Association, and other campaign partners

WE ARE ...defending wildlife

Sarah Palmer and Tom Plunkett Y2Y Supporters When you ask Sarah Palmer and her husband Tom These philanthropic, community values are deeply Plunkett what attracted them to Y2Y, their response is rooted in the Palmer family. In addition to Tom and simple. “It’s the people. Y2Y works with many different Sarah championing Y2Y, the Palmer Family Foundation parties to achieve its mission,” explains the Calgary also supports Y2Y’s conservation programs on an couple. “Scientists, conservationists, industry, ranchers, annual basis. hunters, hikers, and more—and that makes it unique.” Living in Calgary, at the central gateway of the Yellowstone to Yukon region, Tom and Sarah are reminded daily of the beauty of this region right in their backyard. Tom has been an investment advisor with a national firm since 1996. After growing up in the crowded east, the mountains and sky of the west became the playground for his athletic pursuits. In 2008 Sarah joined the Y2Y Board of Directors and Banff National Park, Alberta. Photo by Peter A. Dettling. three years later became Chair of the Canadian board. From left: Sarah, John, Liam, and Tom “Having worked in Alberta as an environmental Love to: hike and cycle in Kananaskis and Banff, Alberta and lawyer for 10 years,” she explains, “I have a sense of the raft through Nahanni National Park, Northwest Territories. challenges—and opportunities—facing this special region and I wanted to get involved to make sure it is Y2Y means… “working together to preserve an here for years to come.” incredibly unique and beautiful part of the world.”

2011 Y2Y Annual Report 15

Photo by Stephen Harrington. Restore - Y2Y South Overview South of Canada’s Highway 3, the landscape has more Mountain Corridor Collaboration, in which more than 60 private lands, highways, and railroads, all of which fragment organizations work together to realize a shared conservation the landscape and make wildlife movement challenging. The vision (see p9). situation has led to a drastic reduction in grizzly numbers, The Crown of the Continent (COC), an important and to pockets of regional extinction. Yellowstone’s grizzlies transboundary Priority Area, was also an area of focus for are isolated and in jeopardy of genetic inbreeding unless Y2Y. In 2011, Stephen Legault joined the Y2Y team as the other grizzlies move into the area within the next 20 years. Coordinator of the Crown of the Continent Conservation Y2Y’s goal here is restoration: repairing degraded habitats, Initiative. He is leading partners to implement the region’s connecting them with wildlife corridors, and ultimately conservation agenda and secure a critical climate change refuge. reconnecting the Yellowstone grizzlies with their northern Finally, a number of exciting new projects were established counterparts. 2011 proved to be an active and successful year. in 2011. Rebecca Lloyd, US Director of Conservation Science Multi-year efforts by Y2Y and various partners resulted in and Action, who joined Y2Y in 2011, began a forest road two important12. Peel Watershed achievements. First, new legislation by the restoration project in Clearwater National Forest. This BC government banned mining and energy development initiative not only will bring back lost habitat, but could in the11. BC Upper portion Liard of Basin the Flathead River Valley, bringing expedite the restoration of ecological functions by hundreds us one step closer to protecting this important wildlife of years. Lloyd is also leading a new highway improvement 10. Wolf Lake Ecosystem corridor (see p18). Second, a private land acquisition project in Idaho’s Boundary County that could help restore near Troy9. Greater secured Nahanni an important Watershed wildlife linkage across the presence of grizzlies in the area. Montana’s Highway 2 (see p18). This success was a direct outcome8. Muskwa-Kechika of a Y2Y-led network called the Cabinet-Purcell British Columbia 7. Peace River Break Alberta Edmonton Y2Y South Map Jasper 6. Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks 6 5. Crown of the Continent Kamloops Banff Calgary 4. Cabinet-Purcell Mountain Corridor Vancouver Kelowna

Cranbrook 3. Central Idaho Complex

Seattle Whitefish 2. High Divide Kalispell WashingtonSpokane 5 Montana 1. Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem 4 Portland Missoula Helena 2011 Project Location Bozeman 3 Oregon 2 Boise 1

Idaho Jackson

Wyoming

Objectives 2011 Achievements Protect the transboundary Flathead Watershed and create The Flathead Watershed Conservation Act was passed an international wildlife corridor to Banff National Park. into law, banning mining and energy development in BC’s Flathead. Restore connections broken by major transportation routes. Completed phase one of northern Idaho’s highway mitigation project.

Restore connectivity between grizzly populations in Acquired Yaak Mountain private land, securing permanent Yellowstone and those farther north. protection of one of the only places grizzlies can move across Highway 2 between the Yaak River Valley and the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness.

16 2011 Y2Y Annual Report Kent Nelson Y2Y Supporter Kent Nelson is a man who knows the value of a good of local charities, but this vision compelled me to extend idea and what it takes to make it happen. This humble my investment beyond the Jackson borders.” wildlife photographer, now living in Jackson, Wyoming, is a true entrepreneur, involved in anything from music recording to eucalyptus plantations. “There are lots of good ideas,” he explains, “but what really counts is the person behind the idea and his or her ability to make it happen.” It’s no surprise then that it was the vastness of the Y2Y vision that attracted Nelson to Y2Y. “As a wildlife photographer I see firsthand the interconnectedness of Loves to: photograph wildlife and nature. everything,” he describes. “The Y2Y vision just makes Y2Y means...“healthy open spaces for wildlife and perfect sense to me. I’ve always been a strong supporter humans to share.”

WE ARE ...keeping animals moving

2011 Y2Y Annual Report 17

Pronghorn Deer, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Photo by Kent Nelson. WE ARE ...funding on-the-ground projects

Grizzly family, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Photo by D. Simon Jackson.

Location, Location, Location

Yaak Mountain No Mountains Will Be Moved in the Flathead Despite the small cluster of dilapidated buildings, the 71- “In 2011, the BC government banned energy and mining acre (29 ha) piece of property on Highway 2 west of Troy, development in the Flathead as a result of public pressure,” Montana, couldn’t be more beautiful. says Sarah Cox of Sierra Club BC, and a Y2Y partner. “That’s In July 2011, with substantial support from Y2Y, the Vital the short answer.” Ground Foundation purchased the land—a key piece of It’s a short answer, a long process, and a tremendous success. linking habitat that allows wildlife to move in relative safety However, there are miles to go to achieve permanent from the Purcell Mountains, through the bottom of the protection for the upper Flathead Watershed, the wildly Kootenai River Valley, to the Cabinet Mountains. valuable “missing piece” of Waterton-Glacier International “Without Y2Y’s capacity grant in 2008 and its continued Peace Park. support during the acquisition process, we wouldn’t be Y2Y joined six other organizations, including Sierra Club BC, celebrating this success,” says Ryan Lutey, Vital Ground’s to unite a tight-knit team to oppose the most immediate Director of Lands. threat to the upper Flathead: a mountaintop-removal With that original grant, Vital Ground launched an initiative coal mine. These intense efforts helped influence a ban on that brought together several partners: Y2Y; the US Fish mining and energy development that was agreed upon by and Wildlife Service; Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks; governments on both sides of the border in 2010. In 2011, and the Trans-border Grizzly Bear Project. Together these the BC government passed legislation to make the ban partners worked to identify places in the Cabinet-Purcell- law—a huge win and vital first step toward full protection. Selkirk region that were critical for wildlife connectivity. Vital Now we await the same outcome in Montana. Ground created “The Right Place” campaign as a fundraising As a member of the Flathead Wild campaign team, Y2Y arm of the initiative, and targeted the Yaak Mountain parcel contributed to the mining and energy development ban. Y2Y as its cornerstone acquisition. is currently helping to build a broad constituency of support for “Vital Ground is small enough that we definitely wouldn’t the next step in Flathead protection: national park designation. be able to tackle projects like this on our own,” says Lutey. Y2Y’s 2008 capacity grant of $100,000 US ($108,500 CAN) allowed Vital Ground to establish the Cabinet-Purcell-Selkirk Wildlife Linkage Initiative. To acquire the Yaak Mountain parcel, Y2Y offered a dollar-for-dollar matching grant toward the purchase, contributing $217,500 US ($210,975 CAN) to cover effectively half the cost of the acquisition.

18 2011 Y2Y Annual Report Supporting the Community

Doing effective conservation work takes financial Y2Y’s discretionary funds and capacity-building support investment. Y2Y is fortunate to have a strong foundation of allow us to be nimble and ready to respond to emerging supporters who not only share our vision, but also trust us opportunities, including private land acquisitions and to reinvest funds in projects that will help realize the vision campaigns that respond to arising issues. In 2011 alone, Y2Y of connecting the Yellowstone to Yukon landscape. invested over $300,000 US ($290,000 CAN) of these funds Partners and organizations are supported through several into the conservation community. means, including Y2Y’s Partner Grants Program, as well as We are proud to be able to lay the financial foundation that discretionary funding and capacity-building support. helps our community complete its work and contribute to Since 1998, Y2Y has invested more than $457,000 US the Y2Y vision. ($574,600 CAN) in grassroots organizations through our annual competitive Partner Grants Program. The program funds on-the-ground projects that play a vital role in helping Y2Y reach strategic conservation goals. In 2011 alone, Y2Y funded 18 projects totaling $47,520 US ($46,745 CAN).

The Conservation Alliance Y2Y Supporter “Our members see great value in the work Y2Y is business.’ Sometimes when money talks, it’s a voice for doing,” says John Sterling, Executive Director of the wilderness.” Conservation Alliance. “And they’re the ones who In 2011, Y2Y was awarded its second grant to support decide which organizations we fund.” its campaign against the Site C dam. “Y2Y’s work on the Who are the members? Patagonia, Kelty, REI, and The dam piqued the interest of our members,” says Sterling. North Face for starters. These pioneering outdoor giants “Our members understand the importance of stopping from across North America created the Alliance in 1989 this dam, and they appreciate the collaborative nature as a way to give back and work to protect wild places. of Y2Y’s efforts" (see p15). “As outdoor enthusiasts, our members have witnessed Sterling notes, “The Conservation Alliance has helped the impact that development and urban expansion save millions of acres of wildlands and has helped stop or have had in the southern reaches of the Y2Y region,” remove 25 dams. We are more than ready to make it 26.” says Sterling. “They are particularly keen to protect what is left in the north.” The Alliance helps keep the members, now consisting of 185 outdoor companies, informed and ready to support action. “The Alliance regularly sends members to Washington, DC,” notes Sterling, “where they can say things to their representatives like, ‘I employ 350 people in your district, and this conservation bill is good for our Photo courtesy of the Conservation Alliance

2011 Y2Y Annual Report 19

Photo by Bettina Jacob. Y2Y’s Investment in the Community

The following is a list of many of the key projects $3,000 — Keystone Conservation financially supported by Y2Y in 2011. Each plays an Helped decrease wildlife-human conflict and increase important role in achieving the Yellowstone to Yukon human tolerance of predators. vision. $3,000 — Northern Rockies Conservation Educate Cooperative Constructed or reconstructed 15 bear poles in Wyoming and Montana to help deter bears from $1,000 — Leanne Allison entering campsites to access food. Producing a video to inform Bow Valley visitors of wildlife they may encounter and how to travel safely. $3,000 — University of Montana Sponsored the annual Conference for the Crown of $1,350 — Ninemile Wildlife Workgroup the Continent, which connects organizations and Supported outreach to minimize human/wildlife agencies working in this landscape. conflict and help wildlife move.

$3,700 — The Banff Centre $2,000 — British Columbia Conservation Sponsored the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival Foundation Award for Best Film, Mountain Environment. Supported an outreach program to reduce collisions with bison on British Columbia’s northern highways. Protect $2,500 — Crowsnest Conservation Society Supported an outreach program to grow local support for reducing the impacts of Highway 3 on $3,000 — Driftwood Foundation wildlife. Engaged in efforts to protect the Todagin Stone sheep herd’s habitat in northern British Columbia from $2,500 — People’s Way Partnership destructive mining. Raised awareness of the existence and importance of wildlife crossing structures along US Highway 93. $3,375 — Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society - Southern Alberta $3,000 — Citizens for the Wyoming Range Supported coordination of the Castle campaign and Supported outreach and organizing efforts to help helped convene over 100 people on the steps of the protect the Upper Hoback Basin from oil and gas Premier’s Calgary office in an effort to protect the leasing and development. Castle Watershed and stop proposed logging.

$3,000 — Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness $4,000 — Sierra Club Canada Raised awareness of the importance of protecting the Gauged community support for protection of Scotchman Peaks area, which spans the Montana/ Alberta’s Castle Special Place and opposition to Idaho border. pending logging.

$3,000 — Great Bear Foundation Connect Volunteers for the Bears and Apples program harvested 6,000 lb. (2,721 kg) of fruit and helped reduce bear attractants. $1,500 — Ghost Watershed Alliance Society Reported on road densities and motorized access within the Ghost River Forest Land Use Zone.

20 2011 Y2Y Annual Report $4,300 — Treaty 8 Tribal Association $2,500 — Western Environmental Law Center Held a First Nations Leaders’ summit to link the Conducted a study that underscores the issues and efforts of communities throughout the Peace solutions to reconnecting the landscape from the watershed to highlight the impacts of the Site C dam Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to the Central Idaho on traditional values. Complex through the High Divide.

$5,000 — Alberta Wolverine Working Group $3,000 — Hells Canyon Preservation Council Monitored wolverine movement across the Trans- Monitored the movement of American martens in the Canada Highway in Banff National Park. Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and provided data to influence land management decisions. $7,300 — Peace Valley Environment Association Conducted an outreach program and coordinated a $3,000 — Wildlands CPR campaign to oppose the Site C dam. Monitored the effectiveness of watershed restoration programs while engaging in hands-on restoration $7,988 — Miistakis Institute for the Rockies work on public lands in Clearwater National Forest. Built a dynamic partnership with the Alberta Motor Association to promote highway safety for people and $3,000 — Yaak Valley Forest Council wildlife. Initiated a major restoration effort for aquatic and terrestrial habitats in the Yaak River Valley. $10,000 — Trans-border Grizzly Bear Project Researched the dynamics of grizzly bear populations $15,000 — Wildsight in the Cabinet-Purcell Mountain Corridor. Delivered on-the-ground conservation programs that contributed to the Collaborative Conservation $235,000 — The Vital Ground Foundation Framework in the Cabinet-Purcell Mountain Corridor. Purchased Yaak Mountain private land, a key linking habitat that allows wildlife movement from the $17,500 — The Vital Ground Foundation Purcell Mountains to the Cabinet Mountains. Identified private-land conservation opportunities in the Cabinet-Purcell Mountain Corridor. Restore

$2,000 — Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance Conducted a wildlife-focused transportation study to provide recommendations to the Wyoming Department of Transportation.

$2,000 — Valley Advocates for Responsible Development Identified private lands that connect the Teton River “Getting funding for outreach projects is Canyon with national forest lands. challenging, but Y2Y fills the gap. Y2Y Partner Grants have funded the development of $2,500 — Craighead Institute communication tools we use to share the successes Identified core habitats and wildlife connectivity of the US93 overpass, underpasses, and fencing.” for large carnivores and other species between Yellowstone National Park and the Salmon-Selway People’s Way Partnership complex along the High Divide. Y2Y Partner

2011 Y2Y Annual Report 21

Photo by Kent Nelson WE ARE ...building the next generation of scientists

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Photo by Kent Nelson.

Sarah Baker Memorial Fund

Established in 2009, the Sarah Baker Memorial Fund celebrates the late Sarah Jocelyn Baker’s appreciation for the natural world and her ability to find solutions to environmental issues. Thanks to a gift from her extended family, Y2Y proudly supports post-secondary students pursuing environmentally-related studies in Canadian institutions, and we are honored to build Canada’s next generation of scientists.

Nikki Heim Sarah Rovang M.Sc. in Environmental Science M.Sc. in Conservation Biology University of Victoria University of Alberta How do humans impact wolverine populations? That was Counting Alberta’s Threatened grizzly population is not the question Nikki Heim sought to answer as she trekked an easy task. But the work of University of Alberta student through the backcountry on her skis, setting up hair traps Sarah Rovang, in collaboration with the Foothills Research and remote cameras. Little is known about the elusive Institute Grizzly Bear Program, set out to alleviate that. Ever wolverine, and this lack of information greatly impedes since her family exposed her to the wilds of Jasper National wolverine management. Using non-invasive tools, Heim Park, Rovang knew she had a passion for wildlife and nature, collected data that helped identify human impact and and wanted a career in biology. Now she finds herself taking factors limiting wolverine populations in Alberta’s Eastern samples of bear scat and rub trees in an effort to explore Slopes. Her results were combined with those from the the effectiveness of alternative techniques that supplement Alberta Research Council and used to develop best traditional hair-snag DNA sampling. The project was part management practices for agencies and industry to manage of a larger initiative that aims to provide land and resource their activities within the Eastern Alberta Foothills region. managers with the necessary knowledge and planning tools to guide long-term conservation of grizzly bears in Alberta.

22 2011 Y2Y Annual Report Y2Y Team

We benefit significantly from our board members, Alberta Foundation Board of Directors whose wide range of expertise helps govern and Jeremy Guth—Chairperson support our complex international organization. David Johns, M.A., J.D.—Vice-Chairperson Montana Board of Directors Stephen Meador, C.P.A.—Treasurer Charles Chester, Ph.D.—Chairperson Sarah Palmer, LL.B.—Secretary Jodi Hilty, Ph.D.—Vice-Chairperson Y2Y Staff and Contractors Stephen Meador, C.P.A.—Treasurer Rob Buffler—Executive Director Peter Bachman—Secretary Jane Bewick—Business Director Peter Aengst, M.Sc. Wendy Francis—Program Director David Johns, M.A., J.D. Rebecca Lloyd— US Director of Conservation Science Theodore (Ted) Smith, Ph.D. and Action Bill Weber, Ph.D. Jennifer Hoffman—Development and Communications Director Alberta Society Board of Directors Harvey Locke—Strategic Advisor Sarah Palmer, LL.B.—Chairperson Juri Peepre—Project Manager Jodi Hilty, Ph.D. —Vice-Chairperson Dave Poulton—Senior Advisor, Conservation Projects Steven Glover, M.B.A., F.C.A.—Treasurer Gary Tabor—Senior Advisor, Climate Change Peter Bachman—Secretary Adaptation Peter Aengst, M.Sc. George Smith—Senior Strategist, Site C Campaign Debby Carlson, M.B.A. Stephen Legault—Coordinator for the Crown of the Roger Smith, Ph.D. Continent Conservation Initiative David Thomson, M.Sc., P.Eng. Renee Krysko—Communications Manager Matthew Blough—Grants Manager Marlis Strebel—Marketing and Membership Associate Nancy Thorton-Smith—Executive Administrator Ivy Smith—Flathead Campaign Associate

2011 Y2Y Annual Report 23

Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Photo by Stephen Legault. Financials

Y2Y is a transboundary, non-profit organization governed by 2011 Audited Financial Report three Boards of Directors. In Canada, Y2Y is both a registered Below is a copy of our consolidated audited financial charity and a not-for-profit organization through the Alberta report (all US dollars). Audited financial statements can be Foundation and the Alberta Society Boards of Directors. In obtained online at www.y2y.net or by contacting our office. the US, Y2Y is a 501(c)(3) organization through the Montana Board of Directors. Y2Y is supported by a broad network Balance Sheet, December 31, 2011 of foundations, government agencies, businesses, and individuals. With their support, Y2Y is able to work with our Assets partners to implement the conservation strategies that will Cash in the Bank 897,879 connect the Yellowstone to Yukon landscape. Investments 1,200,800 Total 2,098,679 Where did our money come from in 2011? Accounts Receivable and Prepaids 655,379 In 2009, Y2Y sought to ensure long-term sustainability of the organization and set a goal to broaden and deepen the Total Assets 2,754,058 community of funders and donors who financially support our work. Each year we’ve consistently met this goal, with Liabilities and Net Asssets 2011 marking our most successful year. Accounts Payable 221,480 Revenue in 2011 grew by 69% from the previous year, largely due to an increase in individual donations and land Deferred Revenue 371,000 acquisition support. The sale of paintings fromThe Journey Net Assets 2,161,578 of Wildlife and Art exhibit also provided additional revenue, Total Liabilities and Net Assets 2,754,058 as noted in the ‘Other’ line item. Diversifying our revenue allows Y2Y to reduce financial risk and support the breadth of activities needed to achieve the Y2Y vision. Statement of Operations January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011 Where did our money go in 2011? Revenue Once again, Y2Y remains committed to ensuring that our funds directly further our conservation agenda for the Foundations 1,244,560 region. In 2011, 87% of our revenue directly supported 60 Individuals 866,042 projects and campaigns, and we were able to continue to Support for Land Acquisition Fund 1,029,370 keep both our administration and fundraising costs low. Corporate Sponsorship 7,120 Government Grants 94,845 Revenue Other 155,619 Support Corporate Total Revenue 3,397,556 for Land Sponsorship Acquisiton <1% Individuals Fund 30% 25% Government Expenses Grants Foundations 3% Programs 1,602,575 37% Other Administration 96,315 5% Expenses Fundraising 151,887 Total Expenses 1,850,777 Programs Restricted Funds* 1,487,148 87% Addition to Operating Reserve 59,631 Fundraising Net 0 8% Administration *Restricted funds are revenues set aside to be used for specific projects at a 5% future date. In 2012, 58% of these funds will be used for land acquisition and other conservation projects.

24 2011 Y2Y Annual Report Our Funders

AIG • Alberta Ecotrust Foundation • Alberta Real Estate Foundation • Alta Group Inc. • Anonymous Foundations (4)

Arctos & Bird Management Inc. • Bunting Family Foundation • Carthy Foundation • Cenovus

CGarchitect Digital Media • Community Spirit Program—Government of Alberta • ConocoPhillips Canada

Conroy Ross Partners Limited • Conservation Alliance • Crown Family Philanthropies

Edmonton Community Foundation • Elements Inc. (Patagonia Banff) • Elevation Gallery

Gannet Charitable Foundation • Great Divide Nature Interpretation • Hunter Family Foundation

Ken Murray Professional Corporation • Lafarge North America • Landsong Heritage Consulting • LaSalle Adams Fund

Mohit Blachford Family Foundation • Mountain Trails Gallery • Moxie Bookkeeping

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation • Natural Balance Photography • Palmer Family Foundation • Patagonia Inc.

Priviti Capital Corporation • Pumpkin Hill Foundation • Resources Legacy Fund • Shell FuellingChange

Small Change Fund • TD Friends of the Environment • The Ardea Foundation • The Brainerd Foundation

The Calgary Foundation • The George W. Norgan Fund at the Vancouver Foundation • The Kendeda Fund

The Mark Kingsbury Fund at the Calgary Foundation • The McLean Foundation

The Stewart Fund at the Vancouver Foundation • Uplands Charitable Foundation • Walton Family Foundation

Weeden Foundation • Wilburforce Foundation • Woodcock Foundation

Support the Y2Y Vision

Y2Y helps ensure that the natural world is here for our more, please visit our website www.y2y.net or contact grandchildren to experience 100 years from now. If you Jennifer Hoffman, Development and Communications share our vision, please support our work. We accept Director at [email protected], or by phone at 1-800-966- individual donations, gifts of stock and securities, 7920, ext. 4. You too can make a difference on the planned giving, and workplace donations. To learn Yellowstone to Yukon landscape.

2011 Y2Y Annual Report 25

Photo by Pat Morrow. CANADA Unit 200, 1240 Railway Avenue Canmore, AB, T1W 1P4

UNITED STATES P.O. Box 157 Bozeman, MT 59771-0157

Tel (403) 609-2666 Fax (403) 609-2667 Toll-free 1-800-966-7920 [email protected] www.y2y.net

Copyright 2012 Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative. All rights reserved. Design by Matt Knapik. Copy by Renee Krysko and Susan Ewing, with additional text and insights by Wendy Francis. Copy editing by Jennifer Hoffman, Wendy Francis, and Lisa Brent. Printed in Canada on environmentally friendly paper. By choosing 10% post-consumer recycled fiber instead of virgin paper, we saved one million BTUs of energy, 250 gal. (946 L) of wastewater, 16 lb. (7 kg) of landfill waste, and prevented the expulsion of 46 lb. (20 kg) of net greenhouse gases.