The Wolf Connection

Bridgett VonHoldt and Kristin Brzeski are the Director and Co-Director of the Gulf Coast Canine Project. The GCCP was created to encompass their research and the community-based approach they are developing to understand, monitor, and manage the unique canines persisting across the Gulf Coast.Bridgett and Kristin gave updates on genomics research, community scientific engagement, expansion of non-invasive data collection, and future goals of the project. Gulf Coast Canine Project@thewolfconnectionpod

Mollie Cameron is the Wolf Campaigner for Pacific Wild in British Columbia. She has extensive field experience monitoring carnivores, studying their behavior through remote camera traps, investigating wildlife signs, and documenting predation events.She discussed the impact of old-growth forest loss, the history and current status of the wolf cull, habitat destruction, and how these factors are reshaping the landscape. Pacific WildBC Wolf Campaign @pacificwild@thewolfconnectionpod

Michelle Valberg has been a fixture in the photography world for over 40 years. A Nikon Ambassador, she was honored with the prestigious Order of Canada in 2022 for her contributions to the craft. Additionally, she is a fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.In our conversation, Michelle shared the story of her photographic journey, discussed how she mentors newcomers to the art of photography, and recounted her two recent trips where she had the unique opportunity to photograph wolves.Michelle Valberg Website@michellevalbergphotography@thewolfconnectionpod

Ian Wargo is a first generation Montanan who is a member of the Region 1 FWP Citizen Advisory Council and FWP Mule Deer Citizen Advisory Council. He is an avid outdoorsman, hunter and concerned resident on the state of the land, herds and practices impacting wild spaces in Northwestern Montana. We discussed potential common ground issues between the non-consumptive and hunting communities, including the sale of federal public land, changes to habitat management, and their impacts. Additionally, we explored topics such as studying predation and environmental easements. **This is Part 2 of our 2-part discussion with Ian.**@thewolfconnectionpod

Ian Wargo is a first generation Montanan who is a member of the Region 1 FWP Citizen Advisory Council and FWP Mule Deer Citizen Advisory Council. He is an avid outdoorsman, hunter and concerned resident on the state of the land, herds and practices impacting wild spaces in Northwestern Montana. Ian discussed changes he's been witnessing on the landscape, practices that have impacted land management, wolves returning to the area, and how he feels there are ways to come together on common ground issues. **This is Part 1 of our 2-part discussion with Ian.**@thewolfconnectionpodBack from the Brink: Montana's Wildlife Legacy (PBS)Fire History in the Bob Marshall Wilderness (U.S. Forest Service)

Brenna Cassidy started her work with Colorado Parks & Wildlife as the Wolf Monitoring and Data Coordinator in late 2023. She had a pivotal role in both wolf translocations, bringing wolves from Oregon and B.C. Brenna went into detail about her new position at CPW, the data she is looking for with the new wolves in Colorado, how she is able to track collar information, and what this data is going to be used for in their annual reports. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (Wolves)@coparkswildlife@brennajcassidy@thewolfconnectionpod

Caitlin McLean is studying Ecology and Conservation Biology at the University of Stirling and recently returned from tracking predators with The Slovak Wildlife Society. She explained the absence of predators in her home country of Scotland and the impacts on the landscape, her deep connection to nature, the experiences she had in Slovakia, and her engagement in conflict mitigation with groups in the predator coexistence space. @saor.wolfThe Slovak Wildlife Society@thewolfconnectionpod

Hannah Rheaume has been a professional photographer for 5 years. She has traveled the globe, sharing her stories through the lens of her camera, while aiming to explore the complexities of humans and their impact on the natural world.She spoke at length on her process when preparing to go on photo shoots, how  photography is unique to her vision, promoting wild places and human spaces to help with conservation and education, and sharing stories on a few selected photos with us. **Go to the Wolf Connection Podcast Instagram to see photos we spoke about!**Hannah's Website@hannahrheaume@thewolfconnectionpod

Amy Porter is the Director of Conservation with Wolf Haven International and is part of the Wolf Advisory Group with the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. She has done research in Congo, working with communities on conservation efforts and conflicts within the region. She has translated much of her experience from that work in Congo, to her efforts in Washington state with wolves. Amy described in detail the knowledge she learned from her time in Congo, parallels in conflict areas with monkeys and wolves, and how she is able to advise and help conservation efforts with Wolf Haven International and the Wolf Advisory Group.Wolf Haven International Wolf Advisory Group@wolfhavenint@thewolfconnectionpod

Mike Koshmrl has been an environmental reporter and journalist for over a decade. He previously worked with Jackson Hole News & Guide and currently writes for WyoFile, reporting on environmental, conservation and natural issues concerning the state of Wyoming. Amanda Eggert has been an environmental reporter with Montana Free Press since 2021. She has also written for other publications including Explore Big Sky, Explore Yellowstone & Mountain Outlaw. Both shared their experiences in writing this combined piece, The Year of the Wolves documenting the first steps to wolves being reintroduced to the Northern Rockies. Read the story below at both publications websites. The Year of the Wolves (Wyofile) The Year of the Wolves (Montana Free Press)Amanda Eggert StoriesMike Koshmrl Stories@wyofile@mtfreepress@thewolfconnectionpod