Northwest Nature Matters (Monty Gregg & John M. Goodell)

This month, Monty and Jess sit down with Carmen Vanbianchi and Anna Machowicz, co-founders of Home Range Wildlife Research. As a nonprofit, Home Range conducts independent and collaborative wildlife research around the Methow Valley in Washington, offering learning opportunities for budding biologists to develop practical field skills that aren’t taught in classrooms.

Wrapping up the Losing A Legacy series, Monty speaks with Mary Rowland about her experience working on various projects throughout the west, and being an early pioneer as a woman in a field largely dominated by men. 

This week, Monty speaks with Vanessa Petro about her innovative methods surrounding beaver research.

This week, Monty and Jess speak with Alan Lacy, Founder and Chief Filmmaker of Reel Earth Films. His short film The Lone Wolverine of the Wallowas will be premiering at the Portland Eco Film Festival at the Hollywood Theater on May 3, 2024. Tickets are available online.

On our final episode of our Partners in Conservation series, Monty speaks with two guests from the National Wild Turkey Federation; Russ McDonald, Washington State Chapter President, and Chris Henry, Oregon State Chapter President.

On another installment of the Losing a Legacy series, Monty speaks with retired Forest Wildlife Biologist Mark Henjum as they reflect on his decades-long career and lasting impact on Oregon conservation.

A fascinating discussion with Dr. David Shepherdson about the role of zoos in conservation. As the Deputy Director of Conservation at the Oregon Zoo, David discusses how zoos are becoming an essential foundation of conservation success; from the most significant voices in conservation education to leading experts in endangered species recovery programs. 

Link to books by Gerald Durrell https://www.amazon.com/Gerald-Durrell/e/B001H6MXJW%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

Alexis De Tocqueville's essay on American civil engagement in "Democracy in America" 1831:

https://www.press.uchicago.edu/Misc/Chicago/805328.html

Video by the Oregon Zoo's Leland Brown advancing hunter awareness about non-lead ammunition: https://vimeo.com/318080907

Part one of a series dedicated to the naturalist and explorer, John Kirk Townsend. In 1839, Townsend published his journal as a book entitled "A Narrative of a Journey Across the Rocky Mountains to the Columbia River". The journal recounts the then 24 year old's trip from Missouri to the mouth of the Columbia River in 1834, with fellow naturalist and professor Thomas Nuttall. These naturalists brought with them, some preconceptions about Native Americans. Nevertheless, the Journal illustrates, in vivid detail, the travels of an expert naturalist/scientist exploring the West.

This narration is slightly abridged by the narrator and is based on an old printing where some excerpts of the original journal were omitted. For a complete version of Townsend's book, go to this link:

http://osupress.oregonstate.edu/book/narrative-of-journey-across-rocky-mountains-to-columbia-river

For free e-book versions go to www.gutenberg.org here: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/45238

An eye-opening conversation with Dr. Burke Hales and Dr. George Waldbusser about the effects of ocean acidification on ocean ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest.

Professors and research partners at Oregon State University, Burke and George definitively linked an increase in ocean acidification to the collapse of oyster seed production at a commercial oyster hatchery in Oregon.

We discussed the overarching science behind climate change, the chemistry behind atmospheric and ocean carbon and acidity, effects on marine organisms and their ecosystems, and more!

Links for listeners to explore this issue:

Global Carbon Project website:

https://www.globalcarbonproject.org/

NOAA Ocean Acidification Program:

https://oceanacidification.noaa.gov/

Link to some of George and Burke's papers:

http://oregonstate.academia.edu/GeorgeWaldbusser

Great conversation with Selina Heppell, the Chair of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Oregon State University. Selina discusses her research, describes her department's strategy for the future, and reflects on better ways to attract, train, inspire, and support the next generation of wildlife professionals. 

OSU Dept of Fisheries and Wildlife 

https://fw.oregonstate.edu/

A conversation with Kim Nelson, a Research Wildlife Biologist in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Oregon State University. Kim is a leading researcher on pacific seabirds and particularly the marbled murrelet. The marbled murrelet is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act and listed as endangered in California and Washington state. 

Like the spotted owl, the murrelet requires old growth forest for nesting habitat, however the species has proved extraordinarily difficult to study. Kim unveils the secrets of this enigmatic species. 

Links for listeners:

Look for this announcement for the summer of 2019. This is a fun citizen science event open to the public:

https://audubonportland.org/issues/species/murrelet/survey2

Books:

https://www.amazon.com/Seabird-Forest-Mystery-Marbled-Murrelet/dp/1590787153

https://www.amazon.com/Rare-Bird-Pursuing-Mystery-Murrelet/dp/1594860904

Part three of a three part series dedicated to the naturalist and explorer, John Kirk Townsend. In 1839, Townsend published his journal as a book entitled "A Narrative of a Journey Across the Rocky Mountains to the Columbia River". The journal recounts the then 24 year old's trip from Missouri to the mouth of the Columbia River in 1834, with fellow naturalist and professor Thomas Nuttall. 

This narration is slightly abridged by the narrator and is based on an old printing where some excerpts of the original journal were omitted. For a complete version of Townsend's book, go to this link:

http://osupress.oregonstate.edu/book/narrative-of-journey-across-rocky-mountains-to-columbia-river

For free e-book versions go to www.gutenberg.org here: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/45238

W. Lindquist's paper :Stealing from the Dead:Scientists, Settlers, and Indian Burial Sites in Early-Nineteenth-Century Oregon 

link: https://www.ohs.org/research-and-library/oregon-historical-quarterly/upload/04_Lindquist_Stealing-from-the-Dead_OHQ-115_revised.pdf

An ethnohistorical review relating to Fort Vancouver

https://www.nps.gov/fova/learn/historyculture/upload/Ethnohistorical-Overview-by-Deur-Accessible-PDF.pdf

To learn more about early 19th century Phrenologists, their role in racist policies, and Samuel Morton's  Crania Americana: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMVzPCOut1w

Few issues are more important than the over-arching capacity to fund conservation now and into the future. In this episode we explore a key piece of funding legislation recently introduced to the Oregon State legislature, HB 2829, The Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund. It's successful passage requires immediate support from Oregonians.

We explore the bill and surrounding issue with Representative Ken Helm, policy experts Mark Labhart and Jim Owens, and former ODFW biologist Claire Puchy. We discuss the important history leading up to this far-reaching issue, what the bill does, and how you can support its passage in the coming DAYS and WEEKS.  

For more information on this bill and email contacts of state Senators and Representatives:

https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2019R1/Measures/Overview/HB2829

Direct link to the Bill: 

https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2019R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/HB2829

Recovering America's Wildlife Act: 

https://wildlife.org/policy/recovering-americas-wildlife-act/

Oregon Conservation Strategy:

http://www.oregonconservationstrategy.org/

A fascinating conversation with wildlife biologist Paul Henson about Endangered Species Act implementation. Paul is the State Director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Oregon Office where, among other duties, he supervises a team of dedicated biologists who implement ESA recovery strategies across a spectrum of listed species. 

Paul discusses a new paradigm in ESA implementation that emphasized proactive conservation strategies for species like the Oregon Chub, California Condor and more. Enjoy!  

A link to a recent paper about ESA implementation co-authored by Paul: 

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328277152_Improving_Implementation_of_the_Endangered_Species_Act_Finding_Common_Ground_Through_Common_Sense

To Support Northwest Nature Matter's please visit our Patreon Site here:

https://www.patreon.com/northwestnaturematters

This week, Monty speaks with Mark Penninger, a retired Wildlife Biologist from the US Fish and Wildlife Service out of La Grande, Oregon. In the first installment of this two part episode, Mark speaks on the origins of his interest in wildlife biology, his childhood spent outdoors in North Carolina, and some of the innovation he was part of during his years in the field. 

We're kicking off the first episode of our new Losing a Legacy series. Sit down with accomplished Wildlife Biologists at the end of their careers as they reflect on their time in the field.

Today, meet John Rohrer, a former District Biologist recently retired from the Methow Valley Ranger District.

In the final installment of our three part series, Bill Richardson sits down with Monty and Jess to discuss the ways in which Blue Mountain Elk Initiative has adapted over time, and what examples BMEI can set for conservation partners in the Northwest and beyond.

Dan Somers, ODFW John Day Watershed Wildlife Habitat Program Manager, joins Monty and Jess to discuss wildlife managament areas.

On this installment of NWNM’s Losing a Legacy series, Monty speaks with Carl Scheeler, a Tribal Wildlife Biologist for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Carl shares his experience working with the tribes for over 33 years, how much there is to learn from Indigenous land management practices, and the joys of personally knowing the communities that his work will impact for generations to come. 

A fascinating conversation with Michael P. Nelson, an environmental scholar, writer, teacher, speaker, consultant, and Professor of Environmental Ethics and Philosophy. He holds the Ruth H. Spaniol Chair of Renewable Resources and serves as the Lead Principal Investigator for the HJ Andrews Experimental Forest Long-Term Ecological Research program at Oregon State University. He is the philosopher in residence of the Isle Royale Wolf-Moose Project, the longest continuous study of a predator-prey system in the world. 

We discuss the history of environmental ethics, Aldo Leopold, ethics in wildlife management, case studies in the application of an ethical framework or argument, natural resource curriculum, and more. 

Links for Listeners:

A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold audio book:

https://www.amazon.com/A-Sand-County-Almanac/dp/B073VXNRF1

Kathleen Dean Moore's website with links to lectures, essays, books and other events: https://www.riverwalking.com/

A seminal book relating to Environmental Ethics: Roderick Nash's Wilderness and the American Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Wilderness-American-Mind-Roderick-Frazier/dp/0300091222/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1545536613&sr=1-2&keywords=wilderness+in+the+american+mind

The biography of Aldo Leopold by Curt Meine: https://www.amazon.com/Aldo-Leopold-His-Life-Work/dp/0299249042

Environmental philosophy text on Leopold's Land Ethic by J.B. Callicot, In Defense of the Land Ethic Essays in Environmental Philosophy:

https://www.amazon.com/Defense-Land-Ethic-Environmental-Philosophy/dp/0887069002

Marine Biologist and Researcher Dr. Shawn Larson from the Seattle Aquarium discusses sea otters up-close! Shawn explores sea otter diet, physiology, reproduction, and genetics - and how her research informs conservation. 

Video of Shawn presenting her genetics research at the 2018 Oregon Sea Otter Status of Knowledge Symposium https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6vaSSrQNvU

photo courtesy Vancouver Aquarium 

Postscript: This episode was recorded in early September, 2018. On February 5th, 2019 Tom passed away at the age of 91. We are saddened to hear the news of his passing. As a leader in the field of conservation biology, he leaves a global legacy and an model of conservation action to emulate.

The Peregrine Fund's page In Memorium: https://www.peregrinefund.org/people/cade-tom

A conversation with Dr. Tom Cade and Colonel Kent Carnie. Tom is the founder of the Peregrine Fund, and widely acknowledged as one of the leading conservation biologists of the modern era. Tom led the effort to recover populations of the Peregrine Falcon throughout North America from the late 1960's to 1999 when it was removed from the Endangered Species Act list. 

A retired intelligence officer, Kent has been a leader in the North American falconry community for many decades. He is the former Curator of the Archives of North American Falconry and acknowledged as one of the world's leading historians on the sport of falconry.

To support this podcast visit our Patreon site: https://www.patreon.com/northwestnaturematters

Links for listeners:

Book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1583439.Return_of_the_Peregrine

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Rites-Autumn-Falconers-Journey-American/dp/1558214577

In part 2 of our series exploring the Blue Mountain Elk Initiative, Jon Paustian joins Monty and Jess to talk about the importance of connecting summer and winter range habitats, and the various obstacles that come along with that.

In the first episode of a two-part series, Monty speaks with Sara Gregory, Lori Turner, and Cidney Bowman, experts working to improve habitat connectivity throughout Oregon and make the roads safer for wildlife and motorists alike.

Sit down with new hosts Monty Gregg and Sarah Armstrong, as well as previous host John Goodell, as they discuss the future of the podcast and wildlife conservation as a whole.

Monty and Jess sit down with Austin Smith, Tribal Wildlife Biologist with the Confederated Tribe of Warm Springs. 

On this special episode of NWNM, Monty speaks with the podcast’s editor, Kyle Miller, and his project partner, Kara Foran, about their upcoming documentary, Follow the Beaten Path. This is the second part of a three part series about non-motorized trails.

Part two of a series dedicated to the naturalist and explorer, John Kirk Townsend. In 1839, Townsend published his journal as a book entitled "A Narrative of a Journey Across the Rocky Mountains to the Columbia River". The journal recounts the then 24 year old's trip from Missouri to the mouth of the Columbia River in 1834, with fellow naturalist and professor Thomas Nuttall. 

This narration is slightly abridged by the narrator and is based on an old printing where some excerpts of the original journal were omitted. For a complete version of Townsend's book, go to this link:

http://osupress.oregonstate.edu/book/narrative-of-journey-across-rocky-mountains-to-columbia-river

For free e-book versions go to www.gutenberg.org here: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/45238

Kicking off September, Monty and Jess speak with Natasha Bellis, Conservation Director of the Deschutes Land Trust. Natasha discusses the weight of responsibility that comes with stewarding land in perpetuity, and the importance of community engagement for long term conservation success.

Geology is a fundamental discipline to major biological concepts such as evolution and biogeography. Join me in a fascinating conversation with Geologist Andrew J. Meigs as he explains the geologic principles behind plate tectonics, volcanism, and mountain-building in the Pacific Northwest. Andrew is a Professor of Geology at Oregon State University. 

Support this Podcast via Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/northwestnaturematters

Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries: https://www.oregongeology.org/

Statewide Landslide Database: https://www.oregongeology.org/slido/index.htm

This month, Monty and Jess learn all about bats! Bat Biologist Nadja Schmidt and Northwest Bat Hub Coordinator Beth Ward speak on the Hub’s monitoring initiatives, priorities, and partnerships.

Renowned ecologist Jim Estes shares his story of discovery - from a young graduate student on the Aleutian Islands to scientific breakthroughs revealing the profound ecological effects of a keystone predator

Produced in partnership with the Elakha Alliance

Jim's memoir: https://www.amazon.com/Serendipity-Ecologists-Understand-Organisms-Environments/dp/0520285034/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&qid=1586768471&refinements=p_27%3AJames+Estes&s=books&sr=1-11

Trophic Cascades book coauthored by Jim: https://www.amazon.com/Trophic-Cascades-Predators-Changing-Dynamics/dp/1597264873/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&qid=1586768471&refinements=p_27%3AJames+Estes&s=books&sr=1-3

Wildlife connectivity is a hot topic - especially in the West. Join for a fascinating conversation with Leslie Bliss-Ketchum (Samara Group) and Rachel Wheat (ODFW). Leslie and Rachel are experts in wildlife connectivity, road ecology, and implementing new strategies to improve wildlife movement in a human altered landscape.

Oregon Conservation Strategy Key Conservation Issue: Barriers to Animal Movement

House Bill 2834

Secretarial Order 3362

This week Monty and Jess speak with geologist, author, and environmental activist Ruby McConnell.

A great conversation with Christian Hagen and Jeremy Maestas about the natural history and conservation of the greater sage-grouse. Christian is a leading grouse scientist and research professor at OSU. Jeremy is a sagebrush ecologist at the NRCS and part of the Sage Grouse Initiative team implementing grouse conservation projects on private lands throughout the West.  Siskadee is the Crow name for Sage Grouse. photo by Steve Chindgren

To support this podcast please visit our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/northwestnaturematters

For more information about the Sage Grouse Initiative: https://www.sagegrouseinitiative.com/

Video: Wilson Wewa discusses the tribal perspectives on the meaning and significance of the sage grouse: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADW6IREJnGY

Video: Excerpt from a sage grouse film produced by Steve Chindgren showing a huge winter flock in Wyoming https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaVQE_HmeXI

Dominique Kone joins us to discuss his M.S. research and recent publication last February informing a prospective sea otter reintroduction in Oregon. He addresses habitat suitability in Oregon, population growth scenarios, and more. His research is a key piece of information suggesting that a sea otter reintroduction is feasible in Oregon, but decision-makers needs to carefully evaluate various human interactions. 

Dominique Kone's recent paper: https://www.elakhaalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Kone-et-al-2021.pdf

Monty is joined by Deschutes Watershed Manager and mountain goat expert, Corey Heath, who talks about the history of the species within the region.

Monty and Jess speak with Tod Lum, ODFW District Wildlife Biologist in the Umpqua Watershed District.

This episode is primarily oriented to students, early professionals, and others considering wildlife careers. We explore the various career tracks in the wildlife profession with Quentin Hays, a wildlife biologist and professor who brings personal perspectives from his diverse work in agency, academic, and private sectors. 

Instead of delving into specific jobs, we explore how wildlife career tracks differ in the academic, non-profit, agency, and consulting/private sectors. We discuss pros and cons in each sector, and ways to prepare for each. 

To Support Northwest Nature Matter's please visit our Patreon Site here:

https://www.patreon.com/northwestnaturematters

On the third and final installment of the non-motorized trail series, Monty sits down with District Wildlife Biologist Brock McCormick to discuss the issue from a land management perspective. Learn how trails are planned, implemented, and managed in the Deschutes National Forest.

Northwest Nature Matters podcast is continuing production in 2022 with new topics, ideas, and hosts. Under the direction of Oregon Wildlife Foundation, this series will continue focusing on the individuals in the field, and how non-biologists can better understand the conservation work needed to sustain the natural world. In this episode, meet your new hosts Monty Gregg and Sarah Armstrong, and hear from Oregon Wildlife Foundation's Executive Director, Tim Greseth.

In this episode three leaders from Oregon coast tribes provide heartfelt reflections, as they frame the loss of sea otters and the vision of its return with the history of their own people’s struggles, and how sea otters represent their own interconnectedness to the natural world.

Don Ivy Chief of the Coquille Indian tribe; Robert Kentta the Siletz Tribal Cultural Resources Director; and Peter Hatch with the Siletz tribal Cultural Resources Program.

[Reuploaded due to file error] This week, Monty speaks with Rachael Davee, Partnership Coordinator at SageCon.

Starting off a new series, Monty and Jess speak with Conservation Director Mike Totey and Conservation Coordinator Tyler Dungannon of Oregon Hunter's Association.

Monty speaks with Michael O'Casey, Deputy Director of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership - Pacific Northwest.

Finishing up the two part series The Way of the Beaver, Monty sits down with Jason Wilcox and Jason Gritzner to talk about the impact beavers have on watersheds and their long-term resiliency in the face of climate change. 

A conversation with Mark Penninger about the natural history and conservation of the bighorn sheep. Mark is the Forest Biologist for the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, and a bighorn sheep and mountain goat specialist.

Called the "koepa" by the Northern Paiute people, the bighorn sheep is an icon of the mountain West; yet complex disease issues have stalled its complete recovery. Mark discusses the history of bighorn conservation, its life history, management, and how sheep conservationists are trying to solve pressing challenges to sheep recovery. 

Links for listeners:

Sheep Conservation Strategy from WAFWA:

https://www.wafwa.org/Documents%20and%20Settings/37/Site%20Documents/Working%20Groups/Wild%20Sheep/Publications/Bighorn%20Sheep%20Conservation%20Challenges%20-%20Management%20Strategies%20-%2021st%20Century-Reduced.pdf

This week Monty and Jess speak with Bret Michalski, Wildlife Specialist and professor at Central Oregon Community College.

This month, Monty discusses over 30 years of conservation in the Whychus and Metolius watersheds from the perspective of longtime District Fish Biologist, Mike Riehle.

An inspiring discussion with three leaders in wildlife science and management. Harriet Allen, Evie Merrill, and Wini Kessler are recognized for their scientific accomplishments while leading wildlife programs in state and federal agencies and academia. In addition to their scientific credentials, they are pioneering trailblazers and mentors for women in the wildlife profession.  

Harriet Allen:

https://www.facebook.com/WashingtonFishWildlife/photos/were-celebrating-women-history-month-today-featuring-one-of-our-first-women-in-s/10152600067001761/

Wini Kessler: https://www.juneauempire.com/news/former-juneau-ecologist-becomes-second-woman-to-win-national-award/

Evie Merrill: https://wildlife.org/rmef-honors-tws-member-evelyn-merrill/

Tom Calvanese is a rockfish scientist, the Station Manager of the Port Orford Field Station, and a catalyst behind developing action to address kelp declines along Oregon's south coast. Join us for a multi-dimensional conversation about kelp conservation. 

Produced in partnership with the Elakha Alliance

A great resource from the NOYO Center for Marine Science abut kelp conservation: https://noyocenter.org/help-the-kelp/

Finishing up the two part series on Upland Game Birds, Monty and Jess speak with Sarah Garrison, the Small Game Program Manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

A fascinating conversation with Taal Levi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Oregon State University.

Taal is a geneticist and ecologist with a broad research focus including assessing the ecological consequences of wildlife over-exploitation, fisheries management, the ecology and conservation of predators, disease ecology, and population dynamics in a changing climate.

Our conversation moved through several interesting research topics including how DNA techniques are re-writing our understanding of species' natural history; DNA bar-coding; studying the rare Humboldt marten; brown bears, rodents, and seed dispersal; passenger pigeons; recovering extinct species; the ecology of Lyme disease; trophic cascades, and more! 

Links for listeners:

USFWS proposal to list the Humboltd marten as Threatened under the ESA: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2018-10-09/pdf/2018-21794.pdf

James Estes book on trophic cascades

https://www.amazon.com/Trophic-Cascades-Predators-Changing-Dynamics/dp/1597264873

James Estes memoir Serendipity: An Ecologist's Quest to Understand Nature

https://www.amazon.com/Serendipity-Ecologists-Understand-Organisms-Environments/dp/0520285034

Estes et al. paper on trophic downgrading

https://people.clas.ufl.edu/rdholt/files/255.pdf

Monty and Jess welcome John Rohrer back to the podcast, this time to speak on his experiences researching wolverines in the North Cascades of Washington.

Monty and continues his conversation with Tod Lum, ODFW District Wildlife Biologist in the Umpqua Watershed District.

Monty and Jess begin a new series, featuring women in the conservation field. This month, they sit down with Melissa Hunt, Wildlife Biologist for the Methow Valley Ranger District.

Dr. Roberta Hall is an anthropologist and Professor Emeritus at Oregon State University. Roberta conducted numerous excavations of shell midden sites on the Oregon coast where she document use of various wildlife including sea otters, and other marine resources by ancient First Peoples. Roberta holds expertise in zoo-archaeology, medical anthropology, skeletal biology and more! 

Free-roaming horses and burros represent one of the most challenging and complex issues in the realm of western public land policy. In this episode we talk with Keith Norris, the Director of Policy and Communications with The Wildlife Society. Keith gives an overview of the issues and reveals important science based details and perspectives often left out of this otherwise emotionally driven topic. 

For more information from TWS:https://wildlife.org/horse-rich-dirt-poor/

Short film co-produced by Keith https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6h242vy_q8

Positions statement of The Wildlife Society: https://wildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/PS_FeralHorsesandBurros.pdf 

Testimony of ORTWS: https://wildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/WHB-Oregon-Comments2.pdf

To support this podcast: https://www.patreon.com/northwestnaturematters

ORTWS Annual Meeting https://ortws.org/2019-annual-meeting/

To Support Recovering America's Wildlife Act: 

1.      Thank your member of congress for supporting the Recovering America's Wildlife Act via social media (#RecoverWildlife), phone, or email.
2.      If they are not yet supporting the bill, ask your Member of Congress to co-sponsor Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. You can also refer people to OurNatureUSA.com for an auto-generated letter.
3.      Consider signing the National Wildlife Federation's 1000+ group letter of support
4.      Consider joining the Alliance for America's Fish and Wildlife: https://www.fishwildlife.org/application/files/2215/1382/3049/AAFW_Membership_Sign-up.pdf
5.      Please share this info with your colleagues, family and friends. #RecoverWildlife

In this episode we join leading bat experts Dr. Tom Rodhouse and Roger Rodriguez to discuss the natural history and conservation of bats.  Tom and Roger reveal fascinating facts about bat biology while also discussing their research, and new impacts to bat populations in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. 

To learn more about the Northwest Bat Hub: https://osucascades.edu/HERS/northwestern-bat-hub

To learn more about the North American Bat Monitoring Program: https://www.nabatmonitoring.org/#/home/welcome

To learn more about the disease, White-nose Syndrome: https://www.whitenosesyndrome.org/ 

To learn more about the issue of bats and wind energy: http://batsandwind.org/

To support this podcast click here: https://www.patreon.com/northwestnaturematters

Monty and Jess speak with Steve Cherry, ODFW District Wildlife Biologist based out of Heppner Oregon, about bighorn sheep.

This week on the Northwest Nature Matters podcast, Monty sits down with Lori Hennings, a Senior Natural Resource Scientist  for Portland Metro. They discuss the complex nature of wildlife disturbance caused by non-motorized trail usage, and the ways professionals are working to minimize the impacts of outdoor recreation.

Join me for a great conversation with Michael Schroeder, a research scientist with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Michael is a leading expert on the ecology and conservation of native grouse species of North America. Beyond technical expertise, Mike has a contagious passion for wildlife and being a wildlife biologist!  

Mikes article "Grouse of the Lewis and Clark Expedition" in the Columbia Magazine:

http://www.washingtonhistory.org/files/library/winter-2003-04_003.pdf

In the first of a two part series, Monty and Jess speak with Mikal Cline, Upland Game Bird Program Manager for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

A discussion with Monty Gregg, a wildlife biologist with the USFS, about implementing conservation projects using the power of partnerships. Proactive conservation on our public lands is a critical,yet challenging goal in an era of declining funds and little public support. Monty discusses his approach to partnerships - demonstrating how non-governmental organizations can become key players in success.  

To support this podcast: 

https://www.patreon.com/northwestnaturematters

Restoration project example: http://ochocoforest.org/forest-management/aspen-restoration-central-oregon/

Finishing up a two part series on wildlife migration, Monty speaks with Tim Greseth, Executive Director at Oregon Wildlife Foundation, and Suzanne Linford, founder of Protect Animal Migration. Listen as the three discuss the value in building dynamic partnerships to make effective, long-lasting change.

Monty and Jess welcome Corey Heath back to the podcast, this time to talk about mule deer. Learn all about the iconic Oregon species, from their habitat and biology to environmental threats and future management.

This week, we wrap up the conversation with Mark Penninger in the final installment of this special two part episode. Finishing up the recap of his impressive career, Mark speaks on the accomplishments he is most proud of, and the importance of mentorships for biologists of all skill levels.

Monty and Jess continue their conversation with Carmen Vanbianchi and Anna Machowicz, co-founders of Home Range Wildlife Research. As a nonprofit, Home Range conducts independent and collaborative wildlife research around the Methow Valley in Washington, offering learning opportunities for budding biologists to develop practical field skills that aren’t taught in classrooms. 

A conversation with biologists Brian Bangs and Chris Allen about a pioneering success story recovering the once Endangered Oregon Chub. The Oregon Chub was de-listed in 2015 - the first fish ever removed from the federal Endangered Species Act list. 

Brian is a native fish biologist and Oregon Chub project lead for ODFW. Chris Allen is an endangered species biologist and recovery project leader with the USFWS in Oregon. 

Brian and Chris discuss various native freshwater fish species of conservation concern, the Oregon Chub project, and their trailblazing efforts to achieve de-listing.

For more information about the Oregon Chub:

https://www.fws.gov/oregonfwo/articles.cfm?id=149489414

ODFW website for Oregon Chub:

https://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/species/chub.asp

Marine biologist Scott Groth is undertaking one of the longest monitoring projects on Oregon's nearshore. While red sea urchin numbers appear normal, purple sea urchin populations have exploded in recent years with alarming impacts to kelp forests. 

Produced in partnership with the Elakha Alliance

Articles about Scott's work:

https://newportnewstimes.com/article/sea-urchin-population-explodes

https://oregonmarinereserves.com/2019/10/24/urchins/

A great conversation with leading sea otter researcher Dr. Tim Tinker. Tim discusses new science and reveals the varied issues effecting sea otter populations across their pacific range  - from Alaska to California - including his perspectives on a possible Oregon reintroduction. 

Produced in Partnership with the Elakha Alliance

ODFW Wildlife Habitat Biologist Jamie Bowles and Monty discuss the developing research on montane foxes throughout the west.

This month, Monty and Jess sit down with Ben Goldfarb, author of Crossings: How Road Ecology is Shaping the Future of Our Planet and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter. Hear Ben speak at our free live event (in person or online) October 10, 2024. Details and sign up information can be found at www.myowf.org/events.

Monty and Jess sit down with Ian Isaacson, Oregon Chapter President of Back Country Hunters & Anglers.

Monty and Jess speak with Matthew Danielson, Okanogan Forest Sr. Coordinator with Conservation Northwest.

The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation is considered an exemplary example of success but new challenges loom on the horizon. 

In this episode, we will be talking to Davia Palmeri, the Conservation Policy Coordinator with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Davia is an expert on conservation policy. Davia will discuss the history of conservation, new challenges, and the exiting possibility of a game-changing piece of legislation that could revolutionize conservation in the U.S.

To support this podcast visit our Patreon site: https://www.patreon.com/northwestnaturematters 

Links to more information for listeners:

http://wildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/North-American-model-of-Wildlife-Conservation.pdf

http://wildlife.org/policy/recovering-americas-wildlife-act/

https://www.nwf.org/~/media/Documents/PDFs/Wildlife-Conservation/State-Breakdown-Wildlife-Funding_10192017.ashx

This month, Monty and Jess talk all things Canada lynx with Andrea Lyons, Wildlife Ecologist and Director of the Terrestrial Ecology Program for the Washington Conservation Science Institute.

Leland Brown with the Oregon Zoo, and Jim Akenson with the Oregon Hunter's Association discuss lead exposure in scavenging birds of prey, and how to increase hunter adoption of non-lead ammunition. 

Leland is a hunter, wildlife biologist, and the Non-lead Hunting Education Coordinator at the Oregon Zoo. Leland is a national leader in building outreach and education programs designed to increase hunter awareness of lead poisoning in wildlife and non-lead ammunition alternatives.

Jim Akenson is a hunter, wildlife biologist, and the Conservation Director for the Oregon Hunter's Association. Jim has a broad background in wildlife research and project management, including long-term carnivore research in the Frank Church Wilderness. 

Oregon Zoo's Non-lead page

https://www.oregonzoo.org/conserve/non-lead-hunting-education-program

North American Non Lead Partnership

https://www.facebook.com/North-American-Non-lead-Partnership-2254811284786107/

Video: Presentation of an Oregon field science project investigating lead exposure in scavenging Raptors

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-ZeM2fdI2c

Hunting with Non Lead

http://www.huntingwithnonlead.org/

Peregrine Fund's Non-lead page

https://www.peregrinefund.org/non-lead-ammo

Professor and Curator Dr. Madonna Moss is an anthropological archaeologist who studies the long term history of Native Americans and First Nations of the Northwest Coast of North America, with a special focus on Tlingit and Haida and their ancestors. Join us for a fascinating discussion about how zooarcheology can help defend indigenous cultural practices in the modern world.

Dr. Moss's book Northwest Coast: Archaeology as Deep History

Dr. Moss's recent publication about sea otters:

https://cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/blogs.uoregon.edu/dist/e/397/files/2020/04/Moss-2020-sea-otters.pdf

A conversation with Jay Bowerman, a leading Oregon herpetologist and expert on the Oregon Spotted Frog. Jay received his B.S. and M.S. from the University of Oregon, and has been a researcher and conservation educator in Central Oregon over the last 40 years. Jay reveals the unique natural history and conservation of this imperiled species. 

To support this podcast please visit us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/northwestnaturematters

Links for more information:

https://www.facebook.com/wemayfly/videos/vb.117000456400/188512098764355/?type=2&theater

Video clip of Jay studying frogs

Oregon Spotted Frog local research 

In this episode we discuss sea otter population restoration with Robert Bailey, the Board President of the Elakha Alliance. "Elakha" is the Chinook and Clatsop Indian word for sea otter. In the late 1990s, the Elakha Alliance was organized by members of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, the Coquille Indian Tribe and others to promote the restoration of sea otters and a healthy marine ecosystem on the Oregon coast.

For more information click here

To support this podcast series follow this link

This week, Monty and Jess speak with Jon Nelson, Wildlife Coordinator of the High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon. Ran by a large group of dedicated staff and volunteers, visitors can learn about regional wildlife, history, art, natural resources, and cultural heritage of North America’s high desert country. Listen as Jon discusses what makes the museum so special, as well as his personal experience caring for its resident animals, which can’t be released into the wild.

Kicking off the first episode of a new three part series, Mark Henjum returns to the NWNM podcast to talk about the Blue Mountain Elk Initiative.