THE WOLF AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AND COEXISTENCE INITIATIVE
15 - 16 July, 2015
Ho-Chunk Convention Center
S3214 County Hwy BD
Baraboo, WI 53913

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     Melissa Smith of Friends of the Wisconsin Wolf, Jodi Habush Sinykin of Midwest Environmental Advocates, Jon Thundercloud of the Ho-Chunk Nation, Sandra Skinaway, Tribal Chairwoman of the Sandy Lake Band of Mississippi Chippewa, and Dr. Adrian Treves of the Carnivore Coexistence Lab, Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, UW Madison, have partnered to create and organize a one of its kind conference, July 15th & July 16th, 2015, to address the need for wildlife stewardship reflective of democratic values, best available science and Public Trust principles.

     Through focus groups, panel discussions and expert presentations examining the biases and scientific shortfalls shaping current wildlife stewardship, the conference will encourage collaboration and development of an ethical, science-based, democratic vision of wildlife conservation that respects diversity and the intrinsic value of life. . It will empower and encourage collaboration for people to have an active voice for wildlife. Jon Thundercloud states, “As the original caretakers of this land, it is vitally important that we speak up for wildlife, like our wolves, with whom we have always coexisted. It’s time to bring scientists, mainstream hunters, Native tribes and wildlife advocates together for this initiative.”

     Speakers and Panelists are joining in from as far as Alberta, CA, Johannesburg, South Africa, Mexico City, Mexico and all across the United States. Canadian policy expert, Darrel Rowledge, will deliver a keynote address addressing the “Triumph of the Commons” and the necessity of holding policymakers accountable to best available science and Public Trust principles through a professional code of conduct. Examples of other presentations include a media roundtable, “Calling the Watch-dogs: How to Engage the Media on Wildlife Concerns,” comprised of Wisconsin Public Radio reporters, environmental bloggers, and media experts, as well as a panel, “Following the Money Trail: How Money in Politics Impacts Wildlife Policies,” co-presented by Matt Rothschild, executive director of Wisconsin Democracy Now and Kerry Schuman, executive director of Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters.

     “This conference promises to be a fascinating examination of how science and diversity can and indeed should inform our democracy and, ultimately, the policies relating to wildlife and shared wild places like our state parks,” states Jodi Habush Sinykin, Of Counsel, Midwest Environmental Advocates. “People will leave this conference, not only better informed but charged with the understanding that they are part of a broad coalition of citizens committed to the preservation and enjoyment of our state’s wildlife resources.”

     With special attention paid to perspectives of Native people and other groups underrepresented in current policies concerning wildlife and public lands, the conference will serve as a forum for discussion of the diverse values surrounding wildlife policy. The conference has been endorsed by national and state environmental/wildlife organizations, numerous Tribes, and the scientific portion of our conference has been endorsed by the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies.

     For more information, or to register, please see: The Wolf and Wildlife Conservation and Coexistence Initiative or email wiforwolves@gmail.com

     The Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project is a proud sponsor of The Wolf and Wildlife Conservation and Coexistence Initiative!

Other groups who endorse this inititave include:

• University of Wisconsin, Nelson Institute of Environmental Studies- (Science program of conference)
• Midwest Environmental Advocates
• Friends of the Wisconsin Wolf and Wildlife
• Ho-Chunk Nation
• Forest County Potawatomi
• Sandy Lake Band of Mississippi Chippewa
• Fond Du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
• Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
• Menominee Nation
• Bois Forte Band of Chippewa
• Grand Portage Band of the Chippewa
• Red Lake Band of Chippewa Red Cliff Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa
• Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission
• Bois Forte Band of Chippewa
• 1855 Treaty Authority
• GLIFWC
• Endangered Species Coalition
• EarthRoots
• Ottawa Valley chapter of Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS-OV)
• Coyote Watch
• NRDC National Resources Defense Council
• National Wolfwatcher Coalition
• Humane Society of the United States
• Sierra Club
• Center for Biological Diversity
• Panthera
• Native America Humane Society
• Project Coyote
• WI Wolf Front
• Malcolm R. MacPherson, Ph.D.
• Wisconsin Federated Humane Societies.
• Howling for Wolves
• Keep Michigan Wolves Protected
• Wisconsin Black Bear Education Center
• Wildlife Public Trust and Coexistence
• Jackpine Coalition
• State Trails Council
• Friends of WI State Parks
• TrapFree Wisconsin
• Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center
• Operation Wolf
• Dane County Humane Society
• 4 Lakes Wildlife Center

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