The Complexity of Conservation with Robbie Kroger of Blood Origins
Conservation is a complicated topic intertwined with endless decisions that shape the natural world. In this episode, I was fortunate to host Robbie Kroger from Blood Origins, an organization rooted in conveying the honest narrative around hunting and its integral role in conservation. The conversation unearthed the complex relationship between hunting humans and hunting, the reintroduction of wolves, the importance of wetlands, and the impacts of social media on hunting, providing a nuanced discussion rarely found in mainstream discussions.
Show Notes and Links
The complex reintegration of wolves
Hunting as management
Robbie’s backstory
The importance of wetlands
Is hunting conservation?
Hunting as entertainment?
What happens if we stop hunting
Public perceptions of hunting
Hunting and Social Media
About Blood Origins
How to follow up with Robbie
Wolves on the Landscape
Image by Hans Veth
The reintroduction of wolves in Colorado is a contentious issue, filled with diverse opinions and strong emotions. Robbie offers a balanced viewpoint, emphasizing the necessity for management and the potential benefits of reintroducing predators to their natural habitats. He argues that with the proper approach, reintroduction can enhance ecological balance while respecting the needs of human communities and their values. The debate over wolf reintroduction is emblematic of the broader conservation conversation, where the aim is to achieve harmony between human progress and the needs of wildlife. It’s not a black-and-white discussion. It’s complicated because there is no silver bullet solution.
The Importance of Wetlands
Robbie likens wetlands to the kidneys of our ecological system. Their functions are vital as they serve as a water purification mechanism and provide sanctuary for many species. Yet, they face the relentless threat of urban development, particularly in regions like my own in Southwest Washington, where the conversion of wetlands into housing projects has caught my eye in the past few years. Something feels wrong seeing fields turned into driveways and small forests turned into track homes. I’m not the expert, Robbie is, and his guidance is sound.
Image courtesy of Dan Meyers
Is Hunting Conservation?
Another point of our discussion is the controversy surrounding hunting as a form of conservation. The idea that hunting inherently contributes to conservation efforts is widely accepted within the hunting community, yet it remains a topic of debate among the non-hunting community. Robbie explains that while hunting can directly aid conservation by managing wildlife populations and controlling invasive species, its conservation value often comes indirectly. It is through the protection of habitats and the financial contributions to conservation programs that hunting's true conservational impact is felt. This understanding encourages a more nuanced appreciation of hunting's role and the responsibility hunters bear in conserving the natural world.
Hunting Bans
Naturally, we found ourselves discussing the repercussions of hunting bans, such as the ban on mountain lion hunting in California. These bans can lead to unforeseen consequences, including increased depredation killings, as human populations expand into animal habitats. It highlights the need for a balanced approach to wildlife management that considers both conservation needs and the realities of human-wildlife interactions. Killing of animals will happen one way or another, whether we like it or not. So, we are left with a choice. Manage the killing and benefit from it financially, or don’t.
Image by 2 Bull Photography
Image by Julian Hanslmaier
Hunting and Social Media
In the era of social media, the influence of hunting brands on public perception has never been more significant. The responsibility these brands hold in shaping narratives around hunting is immense. I truly believe it’s on brands to help in promoting a respectful approach to hunting as a vital component of conservation. The future of hunting, conservation, and the portrayal of these practices in the digital age are all interconnected and they demand a more thoughtful approach.
Image by dole777
Closing Thoughts
Robbie's insights offered a profound reflection on the ethical, ecological, and societal challenges accompanying conservation efforts. We must strive to balance human advancement with preserving nature's equilibrium. It is only through open, honest dialogue and a willingness to consider all perspectives that we can find sustainable solutions to these pressing environmental concerns.
Having Robbie on the show was an honor, and I hope he returns soon.
Emory, By Land
Thanks for stopping by the website and checking out this article! If you have any questions for me or want to connect, you can leave a comment below or shoot me a personal message at emory@byland.co.
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