[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15505]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ISLE ROYALE WOLF/MOOSE STUDY

 Mr. LEVIN. Madam President, I would like to take this 
opportunity to recognize the 50th anniversary of the initiation of the 
Isle Royale Wolf/Moose research study, the longest running predator-
prey study in the world. Scientific research has both enlightened and 
educated us, reshaping our lives in many profound ways. Continuing to 
critically study our environment and our impact on it is integral to 
our prosperity and survival as a nation and planet and will help to 
ensure future generations inherit a healthy world in which to live and 
thrive.
  The remote Isle Royale National Park, located in the upper northwest 
corner of Lake Superior, serves as an ``island laboratory'' for 
scientists to study the interactions of the gray wolf and its primary 
prey, the moose. Mr. Durward Allen of Purdue University founded this 
effort in 1958 as a result of his desire to conduct research on an 
island ``where the animals you are counting and studying do not wander 
away.'' Today, Mr. Allen's project is led by Mr. Rolf Peterson and Mr. 
John Vucetich, both distinguished researchers affiliated with Michigan 
Technological University's School of Forest Resources and Environmental 
Science. In partnership with the National Park Service, Michigan 
Technological University, and the volunteer efforts of Earthwatch, 
among many other contributors, this project has provided a wealth of 
information and has contributed in many important ways to our 
understanding of the interaction within and between these two species.
  Today, scientists enjoy a deeper understanding of the complexities 
that exist within the gray wolf and moose populations that survive on 
Isle Royale. Through the depth and breadth of the research compiled 
through this study, we are better aware of the intricate nature of wolf 
pack leadership, social structure, and territorial interaction. We have 
also learned how parasites the size of a pinhead, en mass, can mortally 
wound an adult 900-pound moose.
  I was fortunate to visit with Mr. Peterson during a trip to Isle 
Royale National Park in July of 2003. I left thoroughly impressed by 
the dedication and hard work of those involved with this study and was 
fascinated to learn about some of the information they have uncovered. 
I am certain that their efforts have enabled us to better understand 
the gray wolf and moose in an environment largely free from human 
influence.
  We celebrate the lessons learned and the sharing of knowledge gained 
through the course of 50 years of observing wolves and moose on Isle 
Royale. All of us benefit from the application of the information 
attained through this study.
  The health and well-being of our environment not only affects the 
quality of our daily lives but is one of the most significant legacies 
our generation will pass onto the next. I know my colleagues join me in 
recognizing the efforts and hard work of each person affiliated with 
this important project and wish them much success as they continue to 
shed light on the relationships of these species in Isle 
Royale.

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