Preparing for the Return of Gray Wolves to Mt Hood

Last year, wolf tracks were confirmed by wildlife agencies in the White River area of Mt. Hood National Forest for the first time in over fifty years. Scientists speculated that the wolf may have been traveling through, as no sightings or collar signals were documented. Early in 2015 OR-25, a lone 2-year old male wolf was confirmed roaming throughout the national forest and Warm Springs reservation. Wolves in Oregon are traveling hundreds of miles in search of new habitat that could support their return.

To hear the powerful howl of a wolf on Mount Hood is an event that many will diagnose as a sign of an ecosystem in true recovery. Many will also be chastised by the reappearance of a species unmatched in resilience and in it it’s long, intimate history with humanity, where subjugation and destruction have defined our role. Places like Wolf Camp Butte, Black Wolf Meadows, and Wolf Peak tell us that wolves have been part of the identity of Mt. Hood even in their absence.

Last year, wolf tracks were confirmed by wildlife agencies in the White River area of Mt. Hood National Forest for the first time in over fifty years. Scientists speculated that the wolf may have been traveling through, as no sightings or collar signals were documented. Early in 2015 OR-25, a lone 2-year old male wolf was confirmed roaming throughout the national forest and Warm Springs reservation. Wolves in Oregon are traveling hundreds of miles in search of new habitat that could support their return. Bark is humbled to have them trying out the forests we love. These wolves, seeking their rightful place in the landscape, represent why we fight to keep these forests standing.

The presence of dispersing wolves in the north Cascades begs the question – Is there suitable habitat to sustain a wolf population on Mt. Hood? With more than 4,000 miles of roads and logging occurring in thousands of acres of wildland every year, a paradigm shift will be necessary to keep wolves around.

The Forest Service’s outdated and politically girdled management plan fails to achieve ecological restoration, endangered species protection, watershed stability, or habitat recovery, instead prioritizing commercial logging.

Mt. Hood’s eco-tourism industry has an enormous opportunity, but it needs a partner in the U.S. Forest Service. Will it manage for people and wildlife? Or will it continue to manage for timber production?

The pending ODFW decision (November 9th, 2015) on whether to retain Endangered Species protections for wolves in Oregon and the upcoming revisions to the state's Wolf Conservation Management Plan and public lands management decisions present huge challenges as well as opportunities for the future of these animals. Sign up here to recieve notifications from ODFW about wolf sightings, policy, and public engagement opportunitites!

Contact us at (503) 331-0374 to get involved!