MEMORANDUM

MEMO TO:

Dr. Diane Carter

FROM:

Jessica Billman

DATE:

February 15, 2015

SUBJECT:

Portfolio topic proposal

I propose to devote my portfolio to developing strategies for enhancing communication between

stakeholders in the conflict between wolves and humans occurring in the Northern Rocky
Mountains of the United States.
In 1995, wolves were reintroduced in Yellowstone National Park (YNP) and central Idaho
(Muhly & Musiani 2009). Since then, wolves have had a visible, positive impact on the local
ecosystems they inhabit. For example, in YNP, wolves have been preying on elk populations
and the reduction in elk has helped restore willow tree populations, which in turn has attracted
songbirds and beavers back into the park (Farquhar 2011). Beaver dams create marshy habitat
for other animals, as well as helping to store water and buffer seasonal fluctuations in river flow
(Farquhar 2011). Wolf kills create more carrion for scavenger species, including bears coming
out of hibernation (Farquhar 2011). Wolves have also reduced local coyote populations, helping
to restore small game and predator populations such as rodents and birds of prey (Wolf
Restoration 2015).
While there is abundant evidence that wolves are essential to healthy ecosystems, some people
(primarily owners of livestock in the wolves ranges) remain opposed to the presence of wolves.
For these people, wolves are seen as a threat to personal safety as well as a threat to livestock.
Although beneficial for local ecosystems, wolf reintroduction does carry an economic burden
that is largely borne by livestock producers (Muhly & Musiani 2009). Between 1987 and 2003,
livestock killed by wolves cost producers an annual average of $11,076.49 (Muhly & Musiani
2009). Compensation programs exist to pay producers for the cost of lost livestock, but some
programs can take a long time to reimburse producers (Muhly & Musiani 2009). Livestock
producers are thus motivated to eliminate wolf populations to protect themselves and their
livelihoods.
Both the effects of the reintroduction of wolves into YNP and the effects of the continued
absence of wolves in regions like the U.S. East Coast are compelling evidence that wolves and
other large predators are critical in maintaining ecological balance. For instance, in
Pennsylvania, where I have spent most of my life, white-tailed deer are grossly overpopulated.
Deer overpopulation not only harms the local ecosystem, as deer browsing decimates tree sapling
and seedling populations, but the risk of deer jumping into the road creates a constant and
dangerous traffic hazard.

Although the wolf population has recovered enough since 1974 to be delisted as an endangered
species in most parts of the country (Gray Wolves 2014), without that protection it would not
take long to destroy the wolf population once again.
Conservationists and livestock producers may be at odds regarding the best way to manage the
wolf population, but it benefits both groups to work toward the development of a healthy,
balanced ecosystem. Public and government support are also essential to address this conflict.
Public opinion directly affects the amount of donation money given to non-profits that can
advocate for wolf protection, and many of the lands the wolves inhabit are government-owned,
like national parks and forests. To protect wolf populations and the future health of the
ecosystems they inhabit, it is critical that these stakeholder groups collaborate effectively to
create mutually beneficial solutions.

Attachments: Works Cited

WORKS CITED
Farquhar, B. (2011, June 11). Wolf Reintroduction Changes Ecosystem. Retrieved February 15,
2015, from http://www.yellowstonepark.com/2011/06/wolf-reintroduction-changes-ecosystem/
Gray Wolves in the Northern Rocky Mountains, Mountain Prairie Region (2014, September 15).
Retrieved February 15, 2015, from http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/species/mammals/wolf/
Muhly, T.B., & Musiani, M. (2009, May 4). Livestock depredation by wolves and the ranching
economy in the Northwestern U.S. [Electronic version]. Ecological Economics, 68 (2009),
2439-2450.
Wolf Restoration Continued (2015, February 15). Retrieved February 15, 2015, from
http://www.nps.gov/yell/naturescience/wolfrest.htm