Conservation Confidential: A Biologist Investigates the Clash Between Progress and Nature by Alberta biologist, Lorne Fitch, 2025. Published by Rocky Mountain Books.

A powerful call to rethink how we value natural resources—not as commodities to exploit, but as gifts to protect for future generations.

Conservation Confidential is a compelling exploration of the clash between environmental stewardship and human ambition. Drawing on decades as a biologist, Lorne Fitch reflects on the complex dynamics between science, industry, and development. With wit, sharp critique, and heartfelt storytelling, he contrasts the priorities of industries like forestry, mining, and agriculture with the values of conservationists, asking: just because something can be done, should it?

Lorne Fitch has been a biologist for over 50 years. He has criss-crossed the province, learned the landscape, investigated fish and wildlife populations, and engaged with ranchers, farmers, industry, and bureaucrats over conservation. His insights are the result of much scar tissue. Lorne is a professional biologist, a retired provincial fish and wildlife scientist, and a former adjunct professor at the University of Calgary. He is also the co-founder of the riparian stewardship initiative called Cows and Fish. For his work on conservation he has been part of three Alberta Emerald awards, an Alberta Order of the Bighorn Award, and a Canadian Environmental Gold Award, with additional recognition from The Wildlife Society, the Society for Range Management, the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists, the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and the Alberta Wilderness Association. Lorne lives in Lethbridge, Alberta.

All orders are pick up only: 455 12 Street N.W., Calgary, AB.