November 18 2002

NEWS

Over The Edge Page 5

SPCA and Trail Network Groups

More class projects from Environmental Sciences 205

By Silke Schemmerling and Brian Howie

This week we are focusing on the SPCA and Trail Network groups, and will explore volun- teering opportunities in Prince George.

The SPCA is often over- looked and understaffed; a

worthy cause for the group that is promoting interaction with these animals looking for a new home. Taking a three- fold. approach, the group is attempting to increase aware- ness of Prince George’s SPCA by creating displays and infor- mation tables. As well, they

have helped a group of about 8 people get together on Saturday’s to lend a hand at the SPCA and take dogs for their daily walks. Thirdly, they are compiling records and sta- tistics of previous years, nec- essary for the SPCA to deter- mine which pet owner is eligi-

UNBC Announces Partnership

With Komi

By Dana Schwehr

UNBC has ___ recently entered into an academic partnership with Syktyvkar State University in the Komi Republic of Russia. This partnership will provide opportunities to share infor- mation, experience, as well as expertise between Russia and northern British Columbia. This partnership will also provide a chance for some UNBC students to experience life in a new and different culture.

Syktyvkar State University was founded in 1972, and is about the same size as UNBC, with 3500 students and 250 faculty members. It has eleven faculties, which

include topics such as Physics, Mathematics, History, Philology, and

Finno-Ugric Studies. Since the native language of the Komi Republic is a member of the Finno-Ugric language family, the university pro- vides a rare opportunity to preserve the republic’s lan- guage and culture for future generations. The Komi Republic itself is located in northwestern Russia, and is about the same size as France. Its population of roughly one million people is composed of about 25% eth- nic Komi people, with the remainder being ethnic Russians. Its natural resources are comparable to those of northern British Columbia, which makes a partnership with the Komi Republic very logical.

Republic

The UNBC Anthropology department is planning to hold a field school in the Komi Republic in 2003. This will allow 24-30 students to spend three months learning the language, experiencing the culture, and getting to know the indigenous people of the republic. Students will have the chance to visit vil- lages in taiga and tundra areas of Russia, and learn about their traditional occu- pations, such as reindeer herding. The partnership provides an excellent educa- tional opportunity for UNBC students, as well as for the

students of Syktyvkar State University.

Syktyvkar State University in Syktyvkar, Komi Republic, Russia

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ble for a voucher to get their pet spayed, and for the SPCA to function coherently. If you are interested in getting involved, drop by the SPCA at 4011 Landsdowne Rd. or drop them a line at spca @ bcgroup.net.

A second group is looking at the Pidherny area in the Hart. This area has an established network of downhill mountain bike trails. They would like to

‘see this area turned into a

park to preserve the recreation opportunity and surrounding nature. This could best be achieved if a non-profit group were found to take over the maintenance and liability of such an area. This has proved most effective in other commu- nities. Currently crown land containing several structures, the city is liable for the proper- ty, and for that reason would

likely not be interested in pro- moting this effort. If a group were to jump in and take over the maintenance and liability, a green light might be easier to obtain. The group will be talk- ing to the City this week to explore options for the creation of a Pidherny mountain bike trail network/ park.

Also, for those interested in volunteering in Prince George, it just may open the doors to more eligibility for SCHOLAR- SHIPS! Why not check out the selection of activities that you can get involved in. Located on 7th Ave., Volunteer Prince George can be reached at (250) 654-0224 or at volun- teerpg @telus.net.

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