The future looks brighter for the Canada lynx thanks to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which recently designated 39,000 square miles in the states of Maine, Minnesota, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana as critical habitat for this threatened species. The designation includes 9,500 acres in the Greater Yellowstone Area. This action revises a 2006 designation of only 1,841 square miles, which left out Greater Yellowstone completely. It was prompted by the agency's determination that Julie MacDonald, deputy assistant secretary for the Department of the Interior, had interfered with the scientific process. The Canada lynx was first afforded protection as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act in 2000. The new designation increases by 21 times the amount of land considered critical to the survival of the lynx.

Designation of critical habitat is an essential element of protection under the Endangered Species Act. It alerts federal land managers to the critical habitat and requires consultation with the Fish and Wildlife Service before approval of any projects that could impact lynx country.

In addition to portions of Yellowstone National Park, the designation covers federal, state and private land in Park, Teton, Fremont, Sublette, and Lincoln counties in Wyoming and Gallatin, Park, Sweetgrass, Stillwater, and Carbon counties in Montana. All of the designated areas have recent verified records of lynx occurrence and reproduction and are therefore considered occupied habitat.

A short-tailed, secretive cat weighing between 18 and 30 pounds, the Canada lynx is noted for the tufts of hair on the tips of its ears. The lynx's large, well-furred feet and ability to spread its toes-in effect, creating "snowshoes"--enable it to travel in deep snow, where it feeds primarily on snowshoe hares. In the Greater Yellowstone Area, fire suppression, thinning of woods, traffic, and development pose the greatest threats to the lynx. While conservation groups say areas in which lynx have been documented around the Greater Yellowstone were not included, they consider the new designation a drastic improvement.

"Spring is one of the most exciting times to watch wildlife in Yellowstone" says George Bumann, Yellowstone Association Instructor, "a wide variety of animals is active, making it a great time to see them and learn about their behavior." Make the most of your next park visit with an Institute course. We still have room in many courses, including:

• The Magic of Waterfowl Migration, Terry McEneany, April 24-26, $225
• Spring Wildlife Watching, George Bumann, May 11-13, $300
• Mammal Signs: Interpreting Tracks, Scat, and Hair, Jim Halfpenny, May 26-29, $415
• Cougars: Yellowstone's Seldom Seen Carnivore, Toni Ruth, May 27-28, $300
• From Bison to Bighorn: The Hoofed Mammals of Yellowstone, Harold Picton and Terry Enk, May 30-June 1, $360

For over 30 years Yellowstone Trails has been the preferred hiking guide for Yellowstone National Park. The anniversary edition offers suggested hikes ranging from short walks to long treks. The in-depth descriptions and topographical maps will help you to plan your next adventure. Now through March 9th 2009, members of the Yellowstone Association will receive a free copy of Yellowstone Trails (perfect bound) with every purchase of $35 or more. Instructions: Enter your member password to receive your normal 15% discount. A copy of Yellowstone Trails will be included with qualifying orders. Promotion is valid on Park Store retail purchases only.

Plan a visit to the park and take advantage of lodging discounts available exclusively for Yellowstone Association members. Xanterra Parks & Resorts is pleased to extend a 20% discount off regular room rates from May 1, 2009, through May 31, 2009, and from October 1, 2009, through October 17, 2009. No booking cutoff date will apply; members may receive the discounted rates, based on availability, up to the day of arrival by notifying Xanterra that you are indeed a YA member. Advanced reservations are recommended by calling the Xanterra Reservations Office at 1-866 GEYSERLAND (866-439-7375). If you are not a member, we invite you to join today and start receiving the many incredible benefits that are available!