When it comes to talking with fellow Pennsylvanians about the proposal to reintroduce the American Marten in Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Game Commission gets asked, “Why the marten,” and “Why now,” quite often.
Explaining “why” is important. One would expect there would be a good answer behind a proposal to bring a species back after 120 years. Many also wonder why now is a good time to do it.
Here are a few explanations of the reasons “why.”
Ecological – The Pennsylvania Game Commission has successfully returned many species to Penn’s Woods, and we continue to see the health of forests increase. The marten is a critical missing piece of forest health, providing services like seed dispersal, rodent population management, and increasing biodiversity.
Cultural – The marten was of significant importance to the Indigenous peoples of the region, as well as early pioneers and settlers of Pennsylvania. Tribes from Alaska, Maine, and surrounding the Great Lakes, all utilized the marten within their cultural legends and stories. The marten was often used as a clan symbol, giving a group within the tribe identity relating to hunting, scouts, and warriors.
Economical – Reintroductions have proven to show strong, positive economic impacts, whether its non-consumptive wildlife watching, or the millions spent by hunters and trappers every year (much of which returns to help manage our wildlife resources).
Historical – Pennsylvanians have led the way, nationwide, in re-wilding our state. Thanks in part to the legacy of past and current generations, we can now enjoy white-tailed deer, bald eagles, turkey, river otter, elk, fisher, beaver, and the list goes on. Pennsylvania has a rich history of conservation and wildlife, guiding the way for many other wildlife resource agencies across the nation.
"Why now?”
Currently, the agency has the available resources and technology needed for undertaking a project like reintroduction. We also have strong public and partner support for this project. It aligns with our mission of “managing and protecting wildlife and their habitats,” as well as our charge given within our state constitution, which says, “As a trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people.”
With more than 40 documented reintroductions of the American marten, it has become the most often reintroduced furbearer species in North America.
Now is the time for the final piece of the puzzle to be placed. Restoration means creating healthier forests and environments, then in turn, a healthier us. It is a rare opportunity to increase our state’s biodiversity and make a positive change for Pennsylvania.
Visit http://bit.ly/3IO6lv9 to learn more about the American marten.
The agency’s Reintroduction Feasibility Assessment for American Martens is available: https://bit.ly/3xUvX2Y.
