Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) was founded in 1963 to help protect Canada's wilderness. CPAWS has a membership of nearly 15,000, and 13 local chapters across Canada. Its French name is la Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada, or SNAP for short.

Mission

CPAWS's official mission statement is:

CPAWS envisages a healthy ecosphere where people experience and respect natural ecosystems.This will be achieved by:
* protecting Canada’s wild ecosystems in parks, wilderness and similar natural areas, preserving the full diversity of habitats and their species;
*promoting awareness and understanding of ecological principles and the inherent values of wilderness through education, appreciation and experience;
*encouraging individual action to accomplish these goals;
*working co-operatively with government, First Nations, business, other organizations and individuals in a consensus-seeking manner, wherever possible.

James B Harkin Conservation Award

In 1972, CPAWS established the James B. Harkin Conservation Award, which is awarded to Canadians who promote conservation. Notable recipients of the Harkin Award include:
* 2007 Dr. Jim Thorsell
* 2005 Dr. J. Gordon Nelson
* 2003 Mike Harcourt, Derek Thompson
* 2002 Elizabeth May
* 2001 Monte Hummel
* 2000 Mike and Diane McIvor
* 1999 Dr. Stephen Herrero
* 1998 Dr. John Theberge (with special recognition of Mary Theberge)
* 1997 Cliff Wallis
* 1996 Chief Emeritus Ruby Dunstan
* 1994 Dr. J. Stan Rowe (d. April 6, 2004)
* 1992 Jennifer Shay, Vernon C. Brink
* 1990 Andy Russell
* 1989 Gavin Henderson
* 1987 Alex T. Davidson
* 1985 Michael J. Nolan, George W. Scotter, Charles Sauriol
* 1981 George F. Ledingham
* 1978 William Fergus Lothian
* 1975 Roderick Haig-Brown
* 1972 Hon. Jean Chrétien

ee also

*National Parks of Canada

External links

* [http://www.cpaws.org/ Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (National)]
* [http://www.cpaws.org/chapters List of CPAWS chapters, with links]