The Grand Canyon Wildlands Network is a hopeful vision of a new relationship between people and the natural world. This relationship relies on a new way of seeing the biologically and culturally rich region surrounding Grand Canyon. We have used maps for centuries but new technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (used for computer mapping) and satellite images change our perspective to encompass whole landscapes.

   The wildlands network design creates a template from this new viewpoint, to tell us which lands wild nature needs to flourish. The network shows the configuration of these lands in core habitats and the landscape linkages that are the connections between habitats. Knowing where wildlife travels, we can locate and design human developments to allow animals to move through the landscape.

   Previous efforts in conservation have been largely defensive. We expend enormous energy saying no to biologically destructive proposals. And thus keep ourselves trapped in the same shortsighted timeframes of those who would exploit nature and hasten species loss. Where we have chosen to look forward and protect lands as parks or wildernesses, these areas have been too small and isolated to hold onto their native biodiversity. Wolves, muskrats, and sagegrouse, among others have already vanished from even Grand Canyon National Park.

   With the Grand Canyon Wildlands Network, we present proactive, positive, scientifically-credible and practical steps for redesigning how we live alongside nature. There are lands that need protections, habitats and natural processes to be restored, and activities that land stewards of all sorts can undertake to help our wild neighbors survive. The diverse and collaborative efforts we envision can help sustain nature for centuries to come.

   We will be adding information about our projects so please check back or contact us if you have questions...info@grandcanyonwildlands.org