The Challenge

Wolf management in Game Management Unit (GMU) 2 is a high-stakes issue characterized by differing perspectives among residents, trappers, hunters, and conservationists. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) needed to update its management plan to reflect new research, while navigating intense public concerns about declining deer populations and harvest quotas. The objective was to create a “safe place” for respectful dialogue between the agency and the public.

Phase 1: Planning and Strategic Alignment

Working closely with ADF&G biologists and managers, my co-facilitator and I, helped crystalize meeting goals to establish clear expectations for all participants. We developed a hybrid meeting format (in-person and virtual) to ensure broad accessibility for residents across Prince of Wales Island and beyond. A key part of this phase was establishing “Dialogue Agreements” to guide effective and respectful engagement throughout the process.

Phase 2: Facilitation of Public Outreach Events

I worked with a co-facilitator to deliver two intensive public outreach and eduction meetings in Klawock, AK, designed to move participants through a process of clarification, reflection, and contribution.

  • Neutral Bridge: I managed the exchange between technical presenters and the public, facilitating sessions on complex topics like genetic bottlenecks, spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR) population modeling, and sustainable harvest rates.
  • Structured Dialogue: I utilized various tools—including small-group discussions, index card contributions, and full-room share-outs—to ensure every participant had an opportunity to voice their concerns and questions.

Phase 3: Synthesis and Comprehensive Reporting

The final phase involved translating hours of recording and dozens of participant comments into an organized, thematic summary report.

  • Thematic Analysis: I grouped all participant feedback into core themes (e.g., Genetic Diversity, Predation, Population Estimates) to help ADF&G understand exactly what information was most salient for the public.
  • Public Accountability: The resulting summary report, including an appendix of ADF&G’s direct responses to participant questions, was made public to improve the agency’s transparency and engagement.
  • Client: State of Alaska, Department of Fish and Game
  • Scope: Strategic Planning, Meeting Design, & Professional Facilitation
  • Duration: 1 year
  • Participants: ADF&G Division of Wildlife Conservation, local hunters, trappers, and community members.
  • Outcome: A comprehensive 38-page summary report that informed the finalization of the 2024 GMU 2 Wolf Management Plan.

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