Leadership change at the Calgary/Banff chapter of CPAWS

March 31, 2008

Calgary, Alberta – The Calgary/Banff Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (“CPAWS”; www.cpawscalgary.org) announces a management change: Dave Poulton – who has successfully led the growth of the CPAWS Calgary-Banff Chapter since 1999 – has informed the Board of Directors (the “Board”) that he intends to step down from the position of Executive Director (“ED”), effective July 15, 2008, facilitating an orderly transition to new leadership. In April, 2008, the Board will launch a search for the new ED who will build upon Poulton’s successes and who will continue to implement the goals of the organization.

The Calgary/Banff CPAWS Chapter strives to be a leader in conservation, to protect Alberta’s natural ecosystems in parks and other wilderness areas, and to ensure that the voice of the grassroots constituents is heard and effectively represented.

The Board and Calgary/Banff Chapter CPAWS office staff deeply appreciate Poulton’s nine years of outstanding service. During his tenure as ED, Poulton grew the capacity of the Calgary/Banff Chapter of CPAWS and, on the national stage, he worked effectively with the CPAWS National Organization and the other 12 CPAWS chapters across Canada. The Board acknowledges Poulton’s significant contribution towards building a strong, vibrant and successful organization which is widely recognized – provincially, nationally and internationally – as a leading environmental not-for-profit organization. Poulton’s talents range from the development of conservation policy and strategy, leading campaigns, building consensus amongst stakeholders, fundraising, and establishing and maintaining networks across environmental, industry and governmental organizations.

While the Board is saddened by Poulton’s impending departure, it nonetheless recognizes his need for personal growth and wishes him continued success in his future endeavours. Additionally, the Board views Poulton’s departure as part of the healthy evolution of the Chapter. Departing a healthy and vibrant organization, Poulton said, “My time with CPAWS has been a wonderful experience. I continue to support the work of the organization, and hope to stay involved in some capacity. It is time, however, for me to explore other opportunities to contribute to the conservation of nature and the evolution of Canada to a truly sustainable society.”

CPAWS is one of Canada’s most respected not-for-profit conservation groups. Grounded in conservation biology, CPAWS strives to set an inspiring new standard for the integrity of the Canadian wilderness. Since its founding in 1963, CPAWS has led in the protection of over 40 million hectares of Canada’s threatened wild lands, and has engaged more than 20,000 members in 13 grassroots chapters across Canada. CPAWS has publicly stated its intention to keep 50 percent of all Crown or public lands across Canada permanently wild.

Prosperity and growth in Alberta have brought major changes, and public consensus indicates that economic development has been accomplished at the loss of environmental values. Known for its pragmatic and effective support for conservation and protection of Alberta’s Parks and Public lands, the Calgary/Banff CPAWS Chapter has built a solid foundation on the policy and conservation front –- these values and commitments will remain the touchstone of our policy moving forward.

For more information or interviews, contact:

Gordon W. James, CA, Chairman of the Board
Direct Line: (403) 547-6466
E-mail: gwjames@shaw.ca