CROWN OF THE CONTINENT

The Crown of the Continent region refers to the rugged peaks, glacier-carved valleys, native prairie, and sparkling waters of the north-south Rocky Mountain Range joining northwest Montana, southwest Alberta, southeast British Columbia, including two World Heritage Sites: the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park straddling the Montana/Alberta border and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump near Fort McLeod, AB.

National Geographic Traveler Geotourism Editor Jonathan Tourtellot who also directs the Society's Center for Sustainable Destinations describes the Crown of the Continent region as "one of the most intact natural ecosystems in the temperate zones of the world, a place of plunging valleys, the headwaters for the continent, ancient cedar forests, native prairie and diverse wildlife." Tourtellot adds that "it's also a place with a rich cultural heritage: Sovereign First Nations still occupying the same territory after thousands of years alongside loggers, ranchers, miners, and more recently 'amenity migrants,' who have brought far-flung business ventures and incomes." "This map tells all these stories, tied to this very special landscape, " said Tourtellot.

Designed as a tool for longtime residents and newcomers, as well as travelers, the MapGuide and its companion website - www.crownofthecontinent.net - provide an understanding of the diverse natural and cultural heritage of the Crown of the Continent region and how to protect its 10 million acres along with its distinctive rural towns and communities. For a peek at what the two sides of the MapGuide offer, click here: (Front | Back)

Order your free Crown of the Continent MapGuide by visiting www.crownofthecontinent.net where you can learn much more about the "Crown".