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
