J. Stephen Conn
International Boundary, Canada - Left, USA - Right
When you take the boat cruise on Upper Waterton Lake, in Canada's Wateron Lakes National Park, your tour will stop briefly for a view of the international boundary between Alberta, Canada and Montana in the United States. There you will see a very visible line - a clearing in the forest - which marks what is called the longest undefended border between two countries in the world. Actually, the border is defended, but by police and not military personnel.
Clearing of brush and vegetation for 6 meters (20 feet) on either side of the line is the responsibiliity of the International Boundary Commission. Since 1925 the Boundary Commission has had the responsibilty for surveying and mapping the boundary, maintaining boundary monuments (and buoys where applicable), as well maintaining the clearing. Exactly why it is felt a clearing is necessary is anybody's guess.
International Boundary, Canada - Left, USA - Right
When you take the boat cruise on Upper Waterton Lake, in Canada's Wateron Lakes National Park, your tour will stop briefly for a view of the international boundary between Alberta, Canada and Montana in the United States. There you will see a very visible line - a clearing in the forest - which marks what is called the longest undefended border between two countries in the world. Actually, the border is defended, but by police and not military personnel.
Clearing of brush and vegetation for 6 meters (20 feet) on either side of the line is the responsibiliity of the International Boundary Commission. Since 1925 the Boundary Commission has had the responsibilty for surveying and mapping the boundary, maintaining boundary monuments (and buoys where applicable), as well maintaining the clearing. Exactly why it is felt a clearing is necessary is anybody's guess.