Canon U.S.A. and Yellowstone National Park Collaborate on New Environmental Research and Teaching Program to Protect Wildlife, Bring the Park to Millions of Students

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Canon U.S.A. and Yellowstone National Park Collaborate on New

Environmental Research and Teaching Program to Protect Wildlife, Bring

the Park to Millions of Students

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Canon U.S.A. and Yellowstone National Park Collaborate on New

Environmental Research and Teaching Program to Protect Wildlife, Bring

the Park to Millions of Students

Kicks Off National Park Week, April 21-27

NEW YORK, LAKE SUCCESS, Apr. 21 -/E-Wire/Business Wire/-- Eyes on Yellowstone, made possible by Canon, a new environmental research and teaching collaboration between a leading digital imaging company and the world's first national park, officially debuts today to celebrate the beginning of National Park Week (April 21-27).

Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), and the Yellowstone Park Foundation established this program to fund important scientific research and break new ground in conservation, endangered species protection and the application of cutting-edge science and technology essential for the management of park wildlife and ecosystems. Another program element is increased public access via the Internet to the wonders of one of the world's most renowned and popular parks, and education about the importance of environmental protection and preservation.

"Our relationship with Yellowstone is part of our commitment to preserve the environment through kyosei, our philosophy of living and working together for the common good," said Kinya Uchida, president and CEO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "As a technological innovator, Canon knows well how investments in science and education can benefit the world. This is why we are so proud to support the Eyes on Yellowstone program."

Canon is working closely with the Yellowstone Park Foundation (www.ypf.org). The mission of the Foundation is to protect, preserve and enhance Yellowstone National Park. It is the only private non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to raising money from individuals, corporations and foundations to fund projects and programs that are beyond the financial capacity of the National Park Service.

"Eyes on Yellowstone, made possible by Canon represents the largest ever corporate donation for wildlife conservation in Yellowstone National Park," said Lisa Diekmann, executive director, Yellowstone Park Foundation. "Canon has a long history of supporting conservation science in Yellowstone and much of what has been learned through their eight years of support has become critical information for park managers."

Yellowstone National Park encompasses more than 2.1 million acres, and is the last largely intact ecosystem in the contiguous United States. More than three million people visit the park each year, with millions more visiting through the park's web site.

"This new program continues to build on our relationship with Canon and the Foundation," said Suzanne Lewis, superintendent, Yellowstone National Park. "This relationship is extremely important in our efforts to understand and conserve wildlife and other natural resources in the park. It is a tremendous partnership, joining technology, science and education to help conserve some of Yellowstone's treasures and allows people all over the world to learn more about the park."

Components of Eyes on Yellowstone, made possible by Canon:

Eyes On Hayden: Predators and their Prey in a Pristine Valley - The wildlife-rich Hayden Valley is a remote location where digital video cameras (Canon XL1S, which has interchangeable lenses and 3 CCD image sensors) and web cameras (Canon VB-C10 that has pan/tilt/zoom capability) will provide 360-degree views of at least 1,000 acres. A prime habitat for grizzly bears, wolves, coyotes, bison and elk, this project will study the interactions and behaviors of predators and prey, the wildlife and its habitat. It will seek to prove that video/web cameras, can be useful scientific tools when placed in extreme environments.

Electronic Fields Trips - The Internet will bring Yellowstone directly to classrooms and homes worldwide. At www.windowsintowonderland.org, lessons that are aligned with national science education standards are designed for middle school students. Online trips, which will use Canon digital camcorders and digital cameras, such as the four megapixel Canon PowerShot G2, will showcase the Hayden Valley wildlife habitat.

Food for the Masses: Refining the Masses - When wolves were reintroduced to the park, no one could have predicted the huge role these predators play in feeding other species, such as ravens, eagles, magpies, bears, coyotes and foxes that scavenge food from the prey killed by wolves. The study will focus on hunting and feeding habits during winter, spring, summer and at night. Infrared cameras will permit night viewing, when wolves are most active.

Disturbed Landscape Restoration: The Turbid Lake Road - Past man-made structures within the park boundaries have been abandoned but the sites never were returned to nature. The unused East Entrance Road near the northeast edge of Yellowstone Lake still contains some asphalt remnants. Plans are to return a key portion of the road to nature.

Yellowstone's "One-of-a-Kind" Plants: Sand Verbena - A handful of species can be found only in the park. The rarest is sand verbena, which grows only in spots on the windward shore of Yellowstone Lake. Recent research revealed that modern humans contributed to the declining number. The plant mostly produces non-viable seed, creating a pollination problem. Studies will continue to enhance understanding of the species, and scientists will work toward future restoration.

Traveling Exhibit - Information about Eyes on Yellowstone, made possible by Canon will be featured on exhibits that will be displayed at various park locations and other areas outside the park to inform the public about the use of technology to study and protect wildlife.

Incorporating Technology - The collaborative effort between Canon and Yellowstone will incorporate the company's digital, optical and other technology to study and preserve wildlife in the park. In addition to digital video and still cameras, web cameras, binoculars and scanners, the park will use the Canon NU-700 networked outdoor remote control pan/tilt/zoom camera system from the company's Broadcast & Communications Division. This unit brings together a video camera with a built-in 20x optical zoom lens and 5x digital function for a powerful 100x zoom range.

Canon U.S.A. is one of the largest corporate supporters of the environment. For more than 30 years, Canon has championed programs that promote conservation, environmental education and the protection of endangered species and habitats. Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America, and is ranked # 41 on the Business Week list of "Top 100 Brands." Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent-holder of technology, ranking second overall in the U.S. in 2002, with global revenues of $24.5 billion. Canon U.S.A. employs approximately 11,000 people at over 30 locations. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.

All referenced product names are trademarks of their respective owners.

Mike Virgintino, 516/328-4825, [REDACTED-EMAIL]

http://www.usa.canon.com

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