This week we're bringing you an episode of the Chronic Wasting Disease Chronicles - a special mini-series produced by Artemis and NWF Outdoors. On this episode we hear from Dr. Kelly Straka, a wildlife manager in Minnesota. We talk about the financial toll on state agencies, cross-border management... aaaand, the "E" word. Tune in for more! 

2:51 – Introduction on Dr. Kelly Straka, Wildlife Section Manager for Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

 4:10 – Kelly talks about her career path to working with CWD.

7:10 – Kelly frames the issue with CWD from the perspective of state agencies. “CWD might be the most pressing issue facing cervid populations across the country right now.”

10:40 - The barriers to effective management of CWD.

17:11 - How hunters can help or hinder efforts to manage CWD.

23:29 - The Federal – State intersection of CWD. The regulatory and jurisdiction issues that have a bearing on how we deal with CWD.

33:15 - Minnesota’s approach and how it got us to where we are today.

39:07 - Minnesota’s response plan, management applications in different zones and various strategies.

43:10 – The “E” word!

48:21 - If we cannot eradicate CWD, how do we live with it in the future?

52:57 - The challenges around CWD surveillance and how hard it is to detect the disease when it is present in low numbers.

58:13 - What do the agencies wish the public knew about CWD management?

1:00:44 - What is one thing that could have been done differently?

1:03:33 - Closing statements. Stay engaged, stay aware, stay involved.

Please take a moment to rate the podcast and write us a review!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices