Responding to the Idea of Transboundary Conservation

Abstract

SUMMARY Over 300 organizations support the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y), an effort to ensure long-term protection for biodiversity in the “Northern Rockies” of the United States and Canada. Y2Y has been described as an organization, a coalition, a network, and other institutional designations. Alternatively, many characterize Y2Y as a “vision” for broad-based and long-term conservation in the Northern Rockies. After introducing the multifarious character of Y2Y, this article presents a summary overview of the high volume of favorable responses to the idea of Y2Y. This is followed by a more extensive review of vocal opposition to Y2Y. Judging from both widespread support for and backlash against Y2Y, there seems little doubt that the Y2Y vision has effectively posed a provocative challenge to traditional conceptions of land use and conservation in the Northern Rockies.