Epilogue to Preserving Yellowstone's Natural Condition: Science and the Perception of Nature

Yellowstone after Wolves

“…Its bureaucratic history as the nation's first national park (Haines 1977) is long and rich. Management of Yellowstone's wildlife, particularly on the northern range, has a history of concern and controversy dating from the establishment of the park in 1872 (Pritchard 1999). Early on, extirpation of many native species was feared because of intense hide and market hunting.…”

“…Those efforts to rely on more natural processes have, in one sense, culminated in restoration of the wolf. This brief outline of management history is treated in detail by Meagher (1973), Houston (1982), and Pritchard (1999).…”

“…At both Yellowstone and Isle Royale before the arrival of wolves, the condition of the vegetation was a source of concern and disagreement (Mech 1966, Pritchard 1999, NRC 2002. The controversy evaporated at Isle Royale when wolves were established and a natural "balance" was assumed to exist, although some people feared the wolves would kill all the moose and then start in on the people (Isle Royale National Park files, letter to the Superintendent, 1956).…”