Control Netting as a Hazard to Birds

bining field studies with classroom sessions, the participants visit sites which demonstrate these subjects under a variety of climatic conditions. In the Columbia Ice Fields and at Miette Hot Springs in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada, the park planning aspect is viewed, discussed, and practised. Here, also, the international organizations which are so vital in assistance and guidance are identified and discussed. In the rain-forest of Olympic National Park, Washington, USA, resource management operations and inter-agency cooperation are the key issues for discussion and field experience. In the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, ecological research is the topic. Interpretation of the wilderness experience is the subject at the Grand Canyon, while in and near the Arizona/ Sonora Desert Museum and Saguaro National Monument, the protection of fragile desert resources is considered. The value of preserving historic sites to keep alive a cultural heritage is experienced at Fort Langley in Vancouver, British Columbia, Puuhonua O Honaunau, Hawaii, and at Montezuma Castle National Monument in Arizona. Because the participants represent countries with widely divergent political, cultural, and sociological systems, a series of basic themes have been developed to give continuity and allow comparison of the many variations of conservation and preservation ideals. These include: (1) Global Perspective The world-wide significance of protected parks and wildlands—including the various international programmes, treaties, and conventions, that are applicable to their management and administration. (2) Diversity of Habitat The relationship of management to animal, plant, and human, life in diverse habitats and its significance as an integral part of reserved area protection. (3) Resource Protection The processes and procedures that are utilized in attaining optimum use and protection of resources. (4) Interrelationships The relationship and procedure (line of action) between resources, management, services, and the public. (5) Staff Development The vital need for developing a comprehensive staffing programme to aid in the implementation of policy and philosophy. Specific subjects of mutual interest have been visitoruse problems, planning for appropriate use with least abuse, interpretation, poaching, underwater parks, and native peoples. These, and a myriad of other management topics, all of which are presented by participants, staff, and guest resource persons, result in discussions which carry well beyond the classroom or the field-work. Evenings are generally spent in a pleasant social atmosphere where the day's activities are often rehashed and evaluated. Each year, the thirty to thirty-six participants meet as total strangers for the first time in Edmonton or Calgary, Alberta, Canada: they are often jet-lagged or otherwise tired, and in a strange cultural atmosphere, but generally excited about the four weeks' experience ahead of them. The first two or three days are spent getting acquainted and understanding how the Seminar operates. One of the highlights of this period is a presentation by each participant about his or her park or region of the world. This invariably identifies the many similar concerns in parks separated by thousands of miles and by vastly different physical and social climates. These presentations set the stage for the sharing of thoughts and ideas which culminate in an often emotional farewell four weeks later. The experience is intense and in a sense reduces the world in size. It is a unique opportunity to improve understanding of the principles of conservation and preservation which affect every corner of the world. Participants have responded by giving of themselves and opening a door to their own culture and country. There is now an alumni group of over 450 persons, many of whom remain in close contact with one another as well as with the sponsoring organizations. They contend, and we believe it is true, that the Seminar—its processes and opportunities, along with the intellect and enthusiasm of its participants—has affected both the small niches and large regions of the world in a positive and constructive way. We expect that the 15th Seminar, which is planned for 3 August to 2 September 1980, will again offer a forum for moving ahead with conservation principles and practices that are apt to be vital to the maintenance of the Biosphere.