Yellowstone Reintroduction

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The reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park sparked much debate on different fronts. While most consider the status of wolves in the park as unchanging at this point, there are still many who are passionate in terms of their elimination and success. Leading up to their reintroduction was a process that lasted 24 years beginning with multiple agencies simply discussing the idea (Lowry, 2009). At the beginning of this process, it was questioned if wolves had really been eliminated from the park many years before. If they had been eliminated then what had the impact been and could it be reversed? Adding to the difficulty of this process was not only the population growth of people, but the type of work through which many …show more content…
Many had to be convinced that wolves would be in the best interest of Yellowstone and it took more than a decade to accomplish this task. The National Park Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service were on board with the idea and plan early on. It was more difficult to convince the surrounding communities who would have to learn to live with the wolves as well as their elected congressmen. One strategy used to help people more readily accept this idea was by working to change the image of wolves so not to been thought of as bad or villains as had been perpetuated by many stories in the past. This occurred through education as well as entertainment such as stories and movies. (Lowry pr 33) Still, the economics of wolves played a major role into their reintroduction. As many also became aware that it was financially advantageous to bring wolves back to Yellowstone, the idea gained even more support. After a great deal of time and effort the majority of people were convinced and the introduction of wolves back into Yellowstone …show more content…
Today it seems like old news, but I can tell there is still much debate by those who live in the areas affected by their reintroduction. I must say that I agree with having the wolves once again roam Yellowstone. I do, however, have the advantage of looking at the benefits in hindsight and appreciating how they have helped create a stable ecosystem. At the same time, wolves have served to sustain the public’s interest in Yellowstone and are often a leading cause of people visiting. I also greatly admire those who spent many years working to make this happen to the benefit of those now and the future who can be grateful for a much healthier ecosystem. Those who visit Yellowstone can explore the park and whether they see a wolf or not appreciate the enduring beauty of both the vegetation and wildlife. “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. Evening came and then morning: the sixth day.” While much has changed since God created earth and everything in it, the environment and that which it supports is best preserved as God sustains without us thinking we have a better