Two of
the most intact
and important ecosystems in the world’s temperate zone are found in the
Northern Rockies of the United States. The Greater Yellowstone
Ecosystem
and the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness in central Idaho are
large,
wild landscapes that support rich and abundant wildlife
populations.
Today, these two areas are essentially ecological islands of protected
habitats.
When populations of animals exist in isolation, they are left without
the
ability to maintain genetic diversity. Simply put, when wildlife
can no
longer migrate or disperse to new habitats, the long-term health of the
population is in jeopardy. It is therefore essential that we
maintain
clear migration and dispersal routes between protected
ecosystems. By connecting
the gems that are these ecosystems, we can better ensure healthy
populations of
grizzly bears, wolverines, moose, mountain lion, and so many other
species.
By
traveling through the
region on foot, from the point of view of the wildlife, it was our goal
to gain
a
unique understanding of the conditions and threats to key habitats,
presence of
various species, current management practices, and perspectives of
local people
between these two ecosystems. We collected data on the
choices
that moving animals are forced to make, and the hazards they face,
while we
treked through some of the most remote and rugged mountains in the
lower
48
states. By documenting specific instances of fragmentation
agencies
working to promote and protect these areas now have key information
they
will need to
ensure that future generations can experience these charismatic
megafauna as we
are lucky enough to do so today. The trek was about 520
miles in length, and we sucessfully completed the route on August 8th,
2010.
We followed the most likely routes that wolverines and grizzly bears
would
take through the area. We are currently preparing the film/
outreach portion of the project as well as taking reservations for
speaking engagments.
