This volume is the result of generous efforts and contributions from many people and supporting organizations. Like international peace parks, this collection clearly represents an international, transboundary, collaborative effort. One of the perils of listing individuals here is that we are likely to miss someone; we apologize for any such omission.
First we would like to thank all of the authors and contributors to this volume for their dedication and patience. The collection of chapters presented herein was catalyzed by an international conference held at Waterton Lakes National Park in September 2007. Maddy Pinto was indispensable in her organizational efforts. We are grateful for the efforts of staff from both Waterton Lakes (Parks Canada) and Glacier National Parks (United States National Park Service); in particular, we would like to recognize Rod Blair, Dave Dahlen, Bill Dolan, Brace Hayden, Mick Holm, Dee Jessome, Janice Smith, Mark Wagner, and Melissa Wilson. Participation from members of the Blackfoot Confederacy/Niitsitapi (Piikani, Siksika, Kainai, and South Peigan/Blackfeet Tribe) was essential to the success of the event and this volume. We are grateful that they welcomed us into their territory and honoured us with a powerful and emotional headdress ceremony. Regional Rotary Clubs were not only responsible for facilitating the creation of the world’s first International Peace Park but also contributed financially and organizationally to the efforts that resulted in this volume. Special thanks here are owed to Monty Audenart, Gerald Beazer, Paul Broughton, Bill Campbell, Bruce Christensen, Cliff Elle, Donald Gatzke, Dale Gillespie, Al Jensen, Marilyn Morris, Carl Prinzing, Bill Spath, Rick West, and Arlene Weber. The leadership of the Crown Managers Partnership is greatly appreciated and Ian Dyson deserves special recognition here. The IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas made significant contributions, and we would like to thank Larry Hamilton and Nik Lopoukhine in particular. Rachelle Haddock at the Miistakis Institute, University of Calgary, and Julie Tompkins from Environmental Studies, University of Montana, both made substantial contributions to formatting and editing the chapters. The Miistakis Institute was instrumental in all facets of organization and administration of this project. Sincere appreciation is extended to Danah Duke, Guy Greenaway, Tracy Lee, and Ken Sanderson. Volunteer graduate students from the Universities of Calgary and Montana were critical to our success; many thanks to all of you.
Financial and in-kind support was provided by the Alberta Division of Parks, Conservation, Recreation and Sport, Alberta Real Estate Foundation, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Foundation, Glacier Fund, Henry P. Kendall Foundation, Miistakis Institute, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Parks Canada, Shell Canada, U.S. National Park Service, Rotary International, Suncor, Town of Cardston, University of Calgary, University of Lethbridge, University of Montana, the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, and two anonymous private donors.
Finally, we are grateful for the patience, persistence and assistance from the University of Calgary Press. John King, Donna Livingstone, Judy Powell, and Melina Cusano were all instrumental to the success of this volume. Marilyn Croot drafted the majority of maps that support the text and often worked with challenging spatial data.
The Editors