Did you miss the workshop on Lynx, Wolverine, and Fisher Monitoring that was hosted by the Southwestern Crown Collaborative in December 2015? The National Forest Foundation had a blast helping to plan, convene, and facilitate the workshop. Here are a few of our favorite memories.
The participants were diverse, fun, engaged, and brilliant.
Where do biologists, field technicians, scientists, and managers from across the Rocky Mountains converge to discuss lynx, wolverine, and fisher monitoring? In December, they came together in Missoula, Montana to share lessons, innovations, and challenges around monitoring the three elusive mesocarivore species. As reported by Tom Kuglin in the Helena Independent Record, “Some of the biggest names in wolverine, lynx and fisher research and monitoring convened for [the] two-day conference…”
Partners from various projects from across the region connected in the same room – sometimes for the first time!
“I connected with and met a number of researchers who I knew only through reputation or… email. Putting faces to names and ideas was nice.”
As Kylie Paul, Rockies and Plains representative from Defenders of Wildlife noted in the Helena Independent Record, “There are so many people interested, and the only way to start some of these conversations is to get everyone into a room together.”
WORKSHOP PRESENTERS TOLD US ABOUT EXCITING NEW PROJECTS DESIGNED TO MONITORING LYNX, WOLVERINE, AND FISHER ACROSS NATIONAL FORESTS, STATE LANDS, TRIBAL LANDS, NATIONAL PARKS, AND MORE.
For example, workshop participants learned about the Western States Wolverine Conservation Program, and how they could help fill in grid cells across four states and multiple land jurisdictions. We were excited to see participants who wanted to get involved.
Photo by Phil Hough
The conversations were positive and inspiring.
“What a great event! It was awesome to have all the different people there that work on these species…talking about what we’re doing and what can be done in the future. Super positive energy by all, good conversation, well run and organized, and great presentations!”
The workshop was only the start – there’s more good work planned for the future.
Workshop participants left the two-day event with a plan for subcommittees focused on various needs, and action items for increased coordination and collaboration. We’re excited to watch the efforts unfold in the future.
The NFF would like to extend a huge thanks to the workshop planning team and sponsoring organizations: Cory Davis (University of Montana), Anne Carlson (The Wilderness Society), Kylie Paul (Defenders of Wildlife), and Scott Tomson (Lolo National Forest). In addition, special thanks to Phil Hough, Anne Carlson, Kylie Paul, and Emily Struss for taking photos during the workshop!
Workshop presentations, notes, and other materials will soon be posted online at http://www.swcrown.org/monitoring/wildlife-monitor....
