The Wolf Connection

This is a recording of the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies event that took place in Aspen, Colorado on Wednesday, March 15th, 2023. The event starts with a presentation by keynote speaker Joanna E. Lambert, PhD, who is a Professor of Environmental Studies at the University of Colorado – Boulder. The presentation was followed up with a panel discussion moderated by John Calfa and included Matt Barnes, Gary Skiba, Karin Vardaman, Lenny Klinglesmith and Matt Yamashita. They discussed the concerns and realities surrounding wolf reintroduction, while explaining solutions to those issues brought up by the community. @acesaspen@mattk.barnesCoexistence with Wolves in ColoradoACES Website@rockymtnwolf

Marc Cooke and Kim Bean are the President and Vice President of the non-profit organization Wolves of the Rockies. Since 2011, their mission has been to protect and defend the wolves of Yellowstone National Park & the Rocky Mountains while trying to enact positive change for all wolves across the country.They spoke to us about wolf and grizzly bear bills being proposed in the Montana legislature, as well as the impact of these bills should they be voted into law. Wolves of the Rockies@wolves_of_the_rockies@thewolfconnectionpod

Garrick Dutcher is the Research & Program Director for Living with Wolves. He has been working on wolf related education in Idaho for over 20 years. Living with Wolves is dedicated to engaging the public worldwide in education, outreach and research to promote truth and understanding about wolves, while encouraging coexistence and inspiring people to take action to protect them. Garrick spoke about the policies that are influencing wolf management in Idaho, the misconceptions surrounding wolves, and what people should expect to see in the Idaho Wolf Management Plan when it is released. Living With Wolves@living_w_wolvesIdaho Wolf Management Plan (DRAFT)

Erica Berry is the author of Wolfish: Wolf, Self, and the Stories We Tell About Fear. This is her first novel which is available on Amazon and other book retailers, as well as all audiobook platforms. She shared in depth about the influence wolves had on her while writing Wolfish, the impact she hopes the book will make, and the personal experiences she encountered during the process. Wolfish on Amazon @ericajberry@macmillanusa

Wolf Hollow was founded 35 years ago by Paul Soffron in Ipswich, Massachusetts. Today, the original mission is carried on by his family, the staff and the volunteers which states, “To preserve the wolf in the wild, through education and exposure.”Zee Soffron is the Facility and Program Director at Wolf Hollow. He spoke about the beginnings of Wolf Hollow with his father, the goal and mission of the organization, and the day-to-day operations.  Wolf Hollow Website@wolf_hollow_ma

Jim and Jo Stanko's ranch has been in the family since 1907 near Steamboat Springs, Colorado. They utilize several conservation initiatives on their land, along with placing 143 acres into a conservation easement which is home for several wildlife species. They have received the Leopold Conservation Award for their efforts. Jo Stanko discussed the history, daily operations, and the dynamics surrounding the ranch. She delved into their conservation efforts, teaching methods of coexistence and the issues surrounding the wolf reintroduction on the Western Slope.  Sand County Foundation Stanko RanchJo Stanko Appointed to New Job with Department of AgricultureColorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan DRAFT

Jordyn O'Gara recently graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth's Center for Environmental Education. At the International Wolf Symposium in October of 2022, she presented her curriculum designed for education about the myths surrounding wolves in the Midwest, and why they exist in the first place. Jordyn went into detail about the curriculum she created, explaining the historical, social and cultural factors that have shaped our views on wolves from hundreds of years ago. Deflating Myths About Gray Wolves Curriculum Email Jordyn - jordy396@gmail.com

Kira Cassidy has been a Biologist and Research Associate for Yellowstone Forever for over a decade. Kira, along with 13 others, co-authored the paper Human Caused Mortality Triggers Wolf Pack Instability covering 5 National Parks across the U.S. This research talks about the extent of human caused mortality on wolf packs, pack persistence and reproduction. Kira discussed the process of putting this paper together and the findings that were discovered. Human Caused Mortality Triggers Wolf Pack InstabilityEarth.com Article@kira_cassidy

Kirk Robinson is the Founder and Executive Director of the Western Wildlife Conservancy. It works to preserve and protect native wildlife species through research, education, and advocacy with a focus on the needs of large carnivores.The organization envisions holistic, ecologically-based wildlife management guided by an ethical respect for the beauty of healthy ecosystems and the intrinsic value of all creatures, and wildlife governance that treats wildlands and wildlife as a public trust.Kirk spoke about his journey in starting the Western Wildlife Conservancy, and how social, political and cultural legacies impact wolves, wildlife and public lands in Utah. Western Wildlife ConservancyWildlife For All@westernwildlifeconservancy

KC York is the President & Founder of Trap Free Montana since its inception in 2015. They represent hikers, anglers, hunters, wildlife watchers, ranchers, pet owners and outdoor enthusiasts concerned about or adamantly opposed to trapping.KC discussed the issues surrounding trapping in Montana, some of the unethical methods of trapping that impact wildlife in the state, and the social, political, economic and domestic repercussions from these practices. Trap Free Montana Website@trapfreemtFederal Wildlife Killing Program Challenged (Montana)Notice of Intent Concerning Delayed USFWS on Wolf Relisting