(W)helping the Wolves: A Perspective on De-listing Endangered Species in Minnesota

Endangered species recovery and conservation is a highly complex, multifaceted task requiring effective, interdisciplinary problem-solving strategies to be most successful. In order for a recovery program to be successful, science and values must be integrated in such a way as to generate a comprehensive, overall policy that can simultaneously and explicitly address the socioeconomic, organizational, political, as well as biological dimensions of the task. This paper uses the policy sciences to describe the management and delisting of wolves in Minnesota, analyze the recovery program as a policy process, and recommend ways to improve the integrity, quality, and appropriateness of endangered species policy in this case. It is argued that the current, dominant organizational and problem-solving approach—conceptually and administratively—is outdated and interferes with a clear understanding of contemporary conservation challenges. Ideas like adaptive management, prototyping, and organizational “self-awareness ” are discussed in reference to establishing a practical conceptual framework for recovery. Suggestions for refining administrative arrangements and actions include organizing personnel and citizenry with a broad range of expertise into multiple, integrated teams of conservation professionals, and exercises in “reflection-in-action” such as systematic prototyping. It is essential for the long-term conservation of large carnivores that the policies and programs in place are responsive, adaptable, and that they accu