In this episode, I interview Joe Gutkoski, a conservation legend and hero to many in Southwest Montana. Joe passed away in 2021.

In the introduction, I am joined by former friend and colleague Pat Simmons who shares personal stories and background about Joe.

Joe was born and raised in northeast Pennsylvania, and details his move to Montana after serving in the Navy in 1946. He discusses his 30-plus year career with the Forest Service working a landscape architect, and tensions that arose when he would advocate for conservation and preservation over new extraction plans. Our conversation explores the historical attitudes towards wilderness and conservation, key legislation like the 1964 Wilderness Act, and the controversial cozy relationship between the Forest Service and logging industry. Joe discusses his efforts to protect and reintroduce wild bison in Montana which have evolved into recognizable organizations and campaigns. Our discussion transitions to the proposals for the Gallatin Range and the tension between private industry and land conservation efforts.

Last Trek of the Human Wolverine

04:02 Pat Simmons Remembers Joe Gutkowski

27:55 Joe Gutkowski’s Early Life and Career

47:51 The Near Extinction of the Buffalo

49:06 Smithsonian’s Buffalo Expedition

51:33 Buffalo Skins and Private Land

53:04 Rediscovering the Last Buffalo Camp

58:22 The Big Open Project

01:08:11 Gallatin Range Wilderness Debate

01:14:08 The Role of Landscape Architects

01:20:21 Gifford Pinchot and Early Conservation

01:30:17 Final Thoughts

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