Rewilding Earth Podcast: Episode 142 Summary
Title: Nadia Steiner On Northeast Carnivore Recovery and Coexistence Through State Wildlife Agency Plans
Host: The Rewilding Institute
Release Date: February 21, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 142 of the Rewilding Earth podcast, host Jack interviews Nadia Steiner, an Environmental Consultant with over 25 years of experience in policy analysis, research, and wildlife conservation. Nadia discusses her pivotal work with the Rewilding Institute focused on the recovery and coexistence of Northeast carnivores through State Wildlife Action Plans (SWAPs). This episode delves into the complexities of wildlife agency plans, public engagement, and the critical role of top predators like wolves and cougars in maintaining ecological resilience.
State Wildlife Action Plans (SWAPs): A Decadal Blueprint
Nadia outlines the significance of SWAPs, which are revised every ten years to guide state wildlife agencies in prioritizing species conservation and habitat protection. The 2025 revision is particularly crucial as it aligns with the latest ecological data and conservation strategies.
Nadia Steiner [02:23]: "2025 is a critical year for these state Wildlife Action Plans... they are required by the US Fish and Wildlife Service for any states that wish to receive federal funding under the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program."
SWAPs are indispensable for states seeking federal conservation funds. They mandate public participation, allowing advocates and organizations, including the Rewilding Institute, to influence the prioritization of species and conservation actions.
Challenges and Limitations of SWAPs
Despite their importance, SWAPs face several challenges:
-
Non-Binding Nature: SWAPs serve as guidelines rather than enforceable mandates. This lack of binding authority means that states can declare conservation intentions without guaranteeing implementation.
Nadia Steiner [08:53]: "The swaps are not binding. There's no like enforcement mechanism... But it does provide a way to underscore that the state said this."
-
Funding Constraints: Federal funding allocated to SWAPs ($72 million) is inadequate compared to the estimated requirement of over a billion dollars annually to fully implement these plans.
-
Political Influences: The inclusion of top predators often faces political resistance, leading to a decline in the number of states prioritizing species like wolves and cougars over successive plan iterations.
Nadia Steiner [11:41]: "There was a marked decline in the number of states that listed those predators. Now, is that driven by politics... or funding and realities or both, that is still a concerning trend."
Focus on Northeast Carnivore Recovery
Nadia emphasizes the importance of reintroducing and protecting native carnivores—specifically wolves, cougars, and lynx—in the Northeast. These predators are vital for forest health, controlling deer populations, and enhancing biodiversity.
Nadia Steiner [21:52]: "They are so critical for forest health and ecological resilience. They play a very pivotal role in managing and balancing the population of deer..."
Historically eradicated due to habitat loss and deliberate extermination, these carnivores are now targets for rewilding efforts to restore their populations to levels that support ecosystem stability.
Advocacy and Public Engagement
The Rewilding Institute collaborates with organizations like Project Coyote and the Wildlands Network to advocate for carnivore inclusion in SWAPs. Coordinated efforts ensure that public comments, scientific research, and advocacy campaigns are unified and impactful.
Nadia Steiner [20:27]: "Rewilding Institute really benefits from coordination of those groups and the deep knowledge benches that they all bring."
Public support, particularly from urban centers, is growing as awareness of biodiversity loss and habitat destruction increases. Nadia notes a shift in public opinion favoring wildlife protection, which bolsters conservation initiatives.
Wildlife Crossings and Landscape Connectivity
Wildlife crossings are a critical component of rewilding, facilitating safe animal movement across developed landscapes. These structures enhance habitat connectivity, essential for the survival and migration of wide-ranging species like wolves and cougars.
Nadia Steiner [32:34]: "Wildlife crossings are absolutely essential in wildlife survival in an age where the landscape is so developed... they are absolutely essential."
Federal and state funding under initiatives like the Biden administration's support underscores the importance of these infrastructures in contemporary conservation strategies.
Coexistence with Carnivores: Overcoming Fear and Myths
Nadia addresses common fears and misconceptions surrounding large carnivores. She emphasizes that statistically, large predators cause less harm to livestock and humans than common accidents, such as vehicle collisions with deer.
Nadia Steiner [28:24]: "It's not always about the facts and the figures... there's also just a lot of outreach and understanding and education to be done about coexisting."
Education and compensation programs have proven effective in fostering coexistence, reducing livestock depredation fears, and increasing public tolerance for these predators.
Public Support and Policy Advancements
Advancements in policies, such as bans on wildlife killing contests in New York and ongoing legislative efforts in neighboring states, reflect growing institutional support for carnivore conservation.
Nadia Steiner [34:53]: "We need people to write action alerts and we need people just on the ground monitoring and following and supporting."
These policy changes, coupled with public advocacy, are paving the way for more robust protections and recovery plans for Northeast carnivores.
How You Can Support
Nadia encourages listeners to engage in various conservation activities, from joining brigades to advocate for wildlife crossings to participating in public comment periods for SWAPs. Supporting organizations like the Wildlands Network and Project Coyote is also vital.
Nadia Steiner [34:53]: "Find the work that speaks to their heart and speaks to their skills... we're looking forward to bills to ban those contests coming into play in New Hampshire and possibly even Maine."
Nadia’s Vision for the Future
Nadia dreams of a Northeast where wolves, cougars, and other large carnivores thrive and roam freely, contributing to a resilient and biodiverse ecosystem. She finds solace in the resilience of wildlife and remains hopeful for a future where coexistence is the norm.
Nadia Steiner [37:57]: "I do dream of a day of knowing that our largest carnivores, who are so critical to ecological resilience, are there as well."
Conclusion
Episode 142 of the Rewilding Earth podcast highlights the intricate balance between policy, public engagement, and ecological necessity in the recovery of Northeast carnivores. Nadia Steiner’s insights reveal both the challenges and the hopeful strides being made toward rewilding efforts that prioritize top predators as keystones of ecosystem health. Listeners are encouraged to become active participants in these conservation efforts, ensuring a vibrant and resilient natural world for future generations.
Resources and Call to Action
- Join Brigades: Participate in initiatives like wildlife crossing brigades to support animal migration.
- Engage with Organizations:
- Advocate for Policy Changes: Write to legislators, participate in public comment periods for SWAPs, and support bans on wildlife killing contests.
- Stay Informed: Subscribe to the Rewilding Earth podcast and visit rewilding.org/pod for additional resources.
Notable Quotes
- Nadia Steiner [00:05]: "There are these amazing wild canids that are already roaming across the Northeast... they are playing a role and they're out there doing what they want to do."
- Nadia Steiner [08:53]: "The swaps are not binding... but it does provide a way to underscore that the state said this."
- Nadia Steiner [21:52]: "They play a very pivotal role in managing and balancing the population of deer..."
- Nadia Steiner [28:24]: "There's also just a lot of outreach and understanding and education to be done about coexisting."
- Nadia Steiner [37:57]: "I do dream of a day of knowing that our largest carnivores, who are so critical to ecological resilience, are there as well."
For more detailed information and ongoing updates, visit rewilding.org/pod and follow Rewilding Earth on social media.