Aleutian Canada Goose

Letter from Nikolai Gerasimov of Kamchatka, Russia, Project Leader for the Recovery of the Asian Population of the Aleutian Canada goose (translated from Russian by Steven Kohl, Office of International Affairs, USFWS)

Dear Colleagues,

My group and I are delighted to have the opportunity to congratulate you on this auspicious occasion celebrating the delisting of one of nature's exquisite creations, the Aleutian Canada goose! It is difficult to overstate this colossal accomplishment, brought about through the joint efforts of scientists, conservation specialists and your entire great nation!

To date, our successes in Kamchatka have been modest; but all the same, dear friends, we owe them to you. You had confidence in us. You gave us our first birds. And we will do our utmost to demonstrate that your trust was not misplaced. When the Asian population of this remarkable species recovers we will be glad to share the credit for this triumph with you.

Please accept our sincerest, most heartfelt congratulations! We wish all of you new triumphs and successes!

On Behalf of the Working Group

(signed) Nikolai Gerasimov
Project Leader for the Recovery of the Asian Population of Branta canadensis leucopareia