Letters and Statements
IBA holds a recognized position in the world conservation arena and Council frequently receives requests from members and the public to address policy issues related to bear management, conservation, and research. As a professional scientific organization, IBA must maintain scientific objectivity when agreeing to address a policy issue or develop a position statement. IBA Council established Policy Guidance based on six criteria to determine whether IBA involvement in policy issues is appropriate. If you are considering a request for a position or policy statement from IBA, please first read our Policy Guidance document answering the six points of criteria required for a position statement or letter and contact the IBA President or Director of Transition with details of your request. IBA Council is all-volunteer and position statements often require thorough research and recruitment of expert consult on a specific topic therefore, we ask consideration is given to the amount of time required to produce these important statements. We understand that each request is different and will assess individually but suggest a minimum of 30 days following the request.
SARS-CoV-2 Advisory Resources for Handling Bears
Comments on Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Alternatives to a Proposed Alaska Roadless Rule, USA. December 17th, 2019. To view the proposed rule and associated documents, click here.
Comments on Draft Grizzly Bear Restoration Plan/EIS Impact Statement, North Cascades Ecosystem, Washington, USA. October 23rd, 2019. To access the Draft Grizzly Bear Restoration Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (January 2017), click here.
Hunting as a Tool in Management of American Black Bear Populations, April 2017
IBA Comments on Grizzly Bear Delisting, May 2016
IBA Comments on GYE Delisting, Cover Letter May 2016
IBA/BSG Joint Letter to European Commission on Impenetrable Fences_January 2016
Response to IBA Letter Regarding Gobi Bear Conservation from the Mongolian Government_2015
IBA Letter to Support COMPETES Act 2015
Position Statement Regarding Bear Hunting in the European Union 2013
The Wildlife Society Position Statement on Brown Bear Management 2009
Bear Protection Act Testimony 2008
McNeil River Hunting Statement 2007