Yellowstone to Yukon initiative works cooperatively with all

OLYMPIA – The Yellowstone to Yukon Initiative, Y2Y, is a nonprofit organization formed by scientists and conservationists who saw the need for an organized forum with the purpose of connecting all different groups such as government, ranchers, farmers, hunters, anglers, Native Americans, researchers and non-government organizations to ensure the outdoor values and wildlife can be enjoyed by all for now and future generations.

Stretching from the Mackenzie Mountains in the Yukon and Northwest Territories to the southern end of the Wind River Range on the border of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, this wide stretch of land encompasses mostly rural parts of the areas it crosses.

The goal of Y2Y has never been to grab land and create one big protected park, but to be a resource for all to achieve their objectives while finding ways to coexist with wildlife. Y2Y also provides educational programs on how to coexist with wildlife and how to prevent wildlife conflict.

Senator Ken Jacobsen, D-Seattle, has seen reason to support this collaborative concept and therefore introduced Senate Bill 5318 which asks the Department of Fish and Wildlife to participate with other wildlife management agencies and conservation organizations to work towards identifying priority species, habitats, or landscapes lying within Washington.

“There seems to be fear from some groups that Y2Y intends to take over their land and restrict any kind of development,” said Jacobsen. “That’s not what this bill is about. It’s about crossing state and country lines to collaborate with all parties and align visions to sustain all kinds of wildlife and outdoor activities.”

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