“By bringing varied backgrounds into conservation careers, we are ensuring our parks represent all of America.”
In Glacier National Park, the journey to reintroduce bison is a great example of the power of perseverance and learning from failure. The collaborative effort between the US Federal Government, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Glacier Park leaders, and the Blackfeet Nation was a key marker in the project’s success.
This journey wasn’t straightforward thought. It required navigating complex ecological impacts, funding challenges, and logistical hurdles. But each step provided crucial insights. By understanding what didn’t work, they were able to refine their approach. And it worked!
Many leaders in conservation steer projects by using to conventional expertise and roles. They have their processes, their knowledge base, and their strategic plans. Doug Mitchell, Executive Director of Glacier National Park Conservancy, does a great job of highlighting why sometimes the best outcomes come from stepping back, listening, and valuing the perspectives and traditions of indigenous communities.
Thanks to this unique and collaborative approach, wild bison once again roam Glacier Park, especially on trails like Lee Ridge. This achievement symbolizes unity and respect for cultural traditions, drawing parallels to past conservation milestones like the reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone.
My biggest takeaway from this conversation with Doug?
See every attempt as an experiment that can provide invaluable learnings for the next. Perseverance transforms failures into stepping stones for success. As Doug puts it, “Real impact comes from funding people—and learning from past mistakes is key to effective leadership.” Failures teach us how to move forward. It’s how we grow from them that ultimately shapes lasting conservation triumphs.
Connect with Doug
Glacier National Park Conservancy
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