International Recognition for Dr Lance McCaskill

Forest and Bird, Volume 16, Issue 1, 1 February 1985, Page 27

International Recognition for Dr Lance McCaskill

Society distinguished life member Dr Lance McCaskill has been awarded the Peter Scott Award for Conservation Merit by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). The award was made at IUCN’s 16th General Assembly in Madrid, Spain last November. It recognises McCaskill’s lifelong commitment to nature conservation in New Zealand, including his successful campaign to rescue the Castle Hill buttercup from near extinction. Less publicised, but equally significant, have been McCaskill’s battles with bureaucracy to seek protection for natural areas. He was a key figure in initiating retirement schemes for the high altitude, eroded mountain lands of the South Island high country. In 1967, McCaskill successfully campaigned against the realignment of the scenic highway over the summit of Arthur’s Pass. This would have resulted in the destruction of extensive alpine tarns. His 12-page account of this campaign ‘*The Battle for the Tarns’’ is a good case study for all active conservationists. Copies of the booklet are available from the Secretary, RF&BPS, Box 631, Wellington for $1.50. In his 80’s, Dr McCaskill is still going strong and attended the _ recent Christchurch Joint Forestry Campaign seminar on beech.