Conservation Summit Unites Scientists, Leaders, Advocates at Jackson Fork Ranch

Faculty members and students from the University of Wyoming’s Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources recently joined researchers and conservation leaders at the inaugural Saving Yellowstone Conservation Summit at the Jackson Fork Ranch near Bondurant.

Bringing together leading scientists, policymakers and students, the summit centered on the shared responsibility of conserving the Yellowstone ecosystem, one of Earth’s last nearly intact temperate ecosystems. Discussions throughout the event emphasized how collaborative science, private land stewardship and community partnerships can safeguard wildlife corridors, restore habitats and preserve the ecological balance that defines this remarkable region.

The event marks the first significant milestone of a multiyear research partnership between UW and the Jackson Fork Ranch, made possible through a grant from Joe Ricketts. The partnership supports Haub School-led studies on species connectivity, wildlife behavior and landscape resilience, which are projects designed to guide real-world conservation policy across the Yellowstone ecosystem.

“The vision and belief of Joe Ricketts and Jackson Fork Ranch’s commitment to support conservation have opened doors for students and faculty to engage in fieldwork and science communication that directly impact conservation practice,” says John Koprowski, dean of the Haub School. “Big ideas are required for conservation of the massive landscapes like that of the greater Yellowstone ecosystem, and conservation works best when rooted in science, community and collaboration. This partnership allows our students to study those relationships firsthand and carry that experience in collaboration into their future careers.”

UW researchers presented new studies funded through the grant, including work on golden eagle migration; beaver-driven habitat restoration for moose; the interactions of large and medium-sized carnivores; and the powerful impact of tiny red squirrels as forest ecosystem engineers. Haub School faculty members also joined panels alongside researchers from the University of Montana, Montana State University, the University of Idaho and the University of Colorado Denver, each highlighting how research collaboration is critical to long-term ecosystem health.

Throughout the three-day gathering, discussions centered on conservation innovation, private land stewardship and the future of ecosystem management. Ricketts, founder of Saving Yellowstone, emphasizes that the summit’s goal is to turn research into action, ensuring that today’s lessons shape tomorrow’s resilience.

“The Yellowstone ecosystem is one of the most important natural laboratories in the world,” Koprowski says. “The Haub School is proud to contribute science that strengthens ecological understanding and community partnerships across Wyoming and the West.”

The Saving Yellowstone Conservation Summit will continue to be held annually at Jackson Fork Ranch to foster collaboration among scientists, policymakers and conservation leaders. UW’s ongoing partnership with the ranch ensures that the next generation of researchers can study, innovate and lead in preserving the wild heart of the American West.