Introduction:

“My name is Eric Clewis and I'm the Northern Rockies Senior Representative for Defenders of Wildlife. I’ve been working with Defenders for three years, and I manage our wolf conservation work in the Northern Rockies states of Montana, Idaho and Wyoming.

The vast majority of my work could be categorized as either working to advance sustainable work policy/regulation or working with ranchers to increase use of nonlethal wolf-livestock conflict minimization tools. In practice, that means I may be at the capital testifying on legislation one day and out in knee-deep snow working with ranchers the next.”

 

How did you get your start in conservation?

“I've been interested in working on large carnivore conservation in the Northern Rockies since early childhood. That led me to move from Texas to Montana immediately out of high school, where I attended the University of Montana studying wildlife biology. My early career was focused on several different field crews across the West where I conducted bird surveys, fought wildfires, worked as a sawyer, and managed several thousand acres of wildlife habitat in Northeast Texas.

As a biologist, it always struck me how politics seemed to have more sway on wildlife management than anything rooted in biology. From there I slowly moved into wildlife advocacy where I try to meld my passion for wildlife conservation with my background in wildlife science to engage policy makers to make science-based decisions regarding our imperiled wildlife.”

 

What do you consider to be a highlight of your career?

“Working with ranchers to reduce wolf-livestock conflict in Montana. I was vaguely familiar with Defenders' coexistence programs prior to joining the team, but getting to see how it all happens on the ground has been very rewarding. Before Defenders, I did a lot of work with prescribed fire in Northeast Texas, and that was also very rewarding in its own way.”

 

What would you say to someone looking to volunteer or pursue a conservation career?

“I would say to pay attention to the small jobs. Oftentimes seasonal field crews are a great way to build your network and gain a foot in the door with whatever agency or organization you are interested in. Those seasonal crews can also help you dial in on the specific area of wildlife conservation that you may want to focus your efforts on.”

 

Which threat to wildlife do you wish people understood better?

“I do wish more people understood how policy and regulation impact wildlife management. A lot of people outside of the wildlife field seem to assume that biologists drive wildlife management when politics plays an equal, if not greater role.”

Click here to learn more about Eric and his work at Defenders!

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