Wolf Conservation
& Management

Wolf Haven is a clear and persistent voice for wolf conservation and coexistence in the wild, and advocates for sustainable solutions that not only protect wolves but also minimize wolf-human conflicts and dangers to livestock. We take a science-based approach to wolf conservation by supporting the restoration of wolves in their historical ranges; actively discouraging wolves and wolfdogs being privately-owned as pets; and providing fact-based information to the public.

Wolf Advisory Group

Wolf Wise Communities

Francine Facilitating the WAG (Capital Press).jpg

Transforming COnflict

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Wolf Wise Communities

As the population of wolves in Washington state grows, and as individual wolves disperse, we can expect that wolf packs may soon be established in southwestern Washington, particularly in the south Cascades recovery region, as identified in the state’s Wolf Conservation and Management Plan. In anticipation of the return of wolves to these regions, Wolf Haven and its partners are working to build Wolf Wise Communities (WWC) that can thrive in landscapes with wolves.

What is the purpose of WWC?

Wolf issues are fundamentally social, often rooted in feelings of marginalization that can strain relationships and contribute to the spread of fear and misinformation. Additionally, wolf conservation and management is frequently viewed from complex perspectives, which can divide communities and prevent a shared vision for coexistence. The WWC program is uniting community members in southwest Washington to consider the possible natural return of wild wolves to our local landscape. Through conversations, collaboration, and experiential exchange, the program aims to: 1) Understand the ways in which people perceive wolf issues 2) Identify shared goals 3) Exchange reliable information 4) Brainstorm solutions 5) Cultivate a shared sense of ownership over the entire process and its outcomes At the heart of the WWC initiative is the belief that partnerships built on trust, respect, credibility, and the ability to empathize with individuals who have different and opposing perspectives will produce thriving and resilient human and wolf communities. Moreover, the program focuses on modeling leadership through a lens of hope, which we believe is crucial in this time of deep polarization.

How does WWC differ from WAG?

The WWC program is guided by the same philosophy and approach as the Wolf Advisory Group (WAG), which is called Conservation Conflict Transformation (CCT). However, there there are several key differences: 1) WAG serves as an advisory body to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), with members officially appointed by the WDFW Director whereas the WWC program is not an advisory group and it is open to all interested community members 2) WAG focuses on communities in eastern Washington, where wolf populations are already well established whereas the WWC program focuses on communities in southwestern Washington that do not yet have a local wolf population but likely will soon 3) WWC program is a community conservation initiative led by Wolf Haven, and with a smaller regional focus on the communities and landscapes in southwestern WA, where Wolf Haven has been headquartered since 1982.

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Conservation Conflict Transformation

Conservation Conflict Transformation (CCT) is both a philosophy and a practical approach to navigating the complex realities of wildlife and natural resource conservation. Unlike traditional conflict resolution - which often focuses on minimizing tensions and settling immediate disputes - CCT works to address the root causes of conflict.

How does CCT work?

Most conservation conflicts are fundamentally rooted in social issues. Wildlife and natural resources often become symbols of deeper struggles over recognition, respect, autonomy, identity, and power imbalances. When these underlying layers go unaddressed, destructive patterns of conflict often intensify and repeat. CCT identifies different levels and dimensions of conflict, which offers a framework to better understand root causes. This is important because each level of conflict must be addressed using a different process and using the wrong process can inflame and perpetuate conflicts. In many conservation conflicts, the focus tends to be on the issues themselves - the substance - while processes and relationships between stakeholders are often neglected. Too often, stakeholder groups label each other as "partners" even when trust hasn't yet been built, and deep-seated distrust continues to simmer beneath the surface. Large meetings are frequently prioritized over relationship-building and often structured in ways that reinforce power imbalances and highlight disparities in decision-making authority. Consequently, emotions fluctuate without yielding tangible progress, leaving participants entrenched in their positions. Trust erodes, frustrations intensify, and conversations spiral, leaving no clear path forward. To break this cycle, we must start with relationships. CCT’s mantra “go slow to go fast” emphasizes the importance of investing time in building trust-based relationships to guide meaningful change. Relationships formed through dialogue, shared experiences, and collaborative efforts strengthen our capacity for action. They help participants move past an "us vs. them" mindset, fostering a deeper understanding of one another as individuals rather than as adversaries. The strength of these relationships is critical because conservation conflicts are ongoing; once one issue is resolved, another often emerges. Strong relationships provide a foundation for navigating future challenges with greater collaboration and innovation. Building trust doesn't just make conflict easier to manage, it makes enduring progress possible. Creating fair and inclusive processes is another critical component of CCT’s approach. Even when groups agree on the merits of a solution, they may still reject it if they feel excluded or overlooked during the process. Marginalization only fuels resentment and perpetuates conflict. Conversely, when people feel heard, respected, and invested in the process, they are far more likely to support the outcomes - even those that don't fully align with their original positions.

How is CCT relevant to wolf conservation and management?

Conservation conflicts often involve many stakeholders with different and seemingly incompatible goals. For example, efforts to protect predators like wolves can sometimes be at odds with the interests of livestock producers. While wolf advocates often emphasize the ecological importance and intrinsic value of wolves, livestock producers emphasize the financial losses and emotional strain that can result from wolf-livestock interactions. Beyond the direct loss of animals occasionally killed by wolves, producers may also face indirect costs, such as reduced productivity and market value from stress-induced weight loss in their herds. Additional expenses for non-lethal deterrents, such as range riders, fladry, and radio-activated guard boxes, as well as the increased time needed to monitor livestock, further add to their burden. If we do not recognize and address these different perspectives, both humans and animals stand to lose. The Wolf Advisory Group (WAG), which Wolf Haven has served on since 2013, is guided by the philosophy and practice of CCT and this is reflected in the group’s mission and vision statements.

Why is CCT so challenging?

CCT demands time, patience, adaptability, and a long-term commitment. It also requires a fundamental shift in how we view compromise - not as a sacrifice of values or relinquishment of control, but as a strategic and necessary step toward enduring change. In a society fixated on deliverables and quick wins, embracing a process-oriented approach can feel unfamiliar. Furthermore, CCT proficiency goes beyond theory and subject-matter expertise to include different types of social and emotional intelligence – proficiency requires high levels of self-awareness, humility, and the ability to empathize and patiently engage with people who hold different and/or opposing perspectives. It requires a high capacity to navigate complex social dynamics and the ability to listen deeply. These are not natural skills - they take commitment and discipline. Ultimately, CCT views conflict as a powerful catalyst for constructive change. By engaging with stakeholders’ values, identities, and perceptions, not just the surface disputes, CCT helps build the strong relationships and collaborative processes essential for sustainable and equitable conservation solutions.