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Show ft Wednesday, May 1, 1974 Pages i-crn-im 2ns-- WILDLIFE REPORT Worlds First Wolf Transplant a. MARSAC Festival of the Arts c The world's first transplant of endangered eastern timber wolves from Minnesota to upper Michigan took place March 12, oq and already is showing interesting results. Interiors Fish and Wildlife Service Director Lynn A. Greenwalt announced that three of the four wolves apparently are trying to find their way back to Minnesota. The fourth wolf, an 11 month old immature female, remains in the general release area in the Huron Mountains of upper Michigan. The unique experiment is designed to see if territorial predators as large as wolves can be resettled. Further, the test is an attempt to reestablish the eastern timber wolf in parts of its former range. Since their release, the four-radi- o two collared wolves have males and two females been monitored from an airplane The mature male and mature female paired from the beginning, and the other two, a young male and an immature female, went separate ways. Within days after release, however, the lone male joined the paired wolves. The three are now 50 to 60 miles west of the release point. Dr. William Robinson of Northern Michigan University believes they may be exhibiting a not-too- The mood at the Marsac Schools Festival of the Arts was one of joy and pride, parental esteem and enthusiasm from the public. It was a celebration of the outstanding art work of our elementary school students. The work was remarkably good on every level. The kindergarten display was splashy, colorful and a real indication of the freedom of expression of this age group. The work of the older groups was more detailed and surprising homing tendency. Robinson and Dr. David Mech, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist, also expect the mature female, presumed pregnant, to start denning soon. The males will probably remain with her, as wolves exhibit strong family tendencies. The trial is a joint effort of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Northern Michigan University that has the backing of the Natural Resources Departments of Minnesota and Michigan. It is funded by the Huron Mountains Wildlife Foundation, the National Audubon Society and Northern Michigan University. The eastern limber wolf is on the Secretary of the Interiors list of endangered species. It formerly ranged over Minnesota and eastern Canada, south to Ohio and into the Northeastern United States. The species is greatly reduced in range and numbers in the States but stable in Minnesota where the is population estimated to be The area of upper Michigan was chosen for release because it was once part of the species range and because a remnant population of about six eastern wolves is thought alive there today. stroll through the halls of Marsac became an attack on the senses that one might not expect from the elementary school level. The paintings, drawings and collages were beautiful and seemed to express many moods and personal feelings of the young artists. It was a real delight to read the poetry and creative writing, particularly the way it was displayed among the other A colorful works. varied. Sculpture was the most popular medium and the large number of intricate designs suggested that Park City may one day have a number of young working artists. Particularly impressive were the group projects; large bas reliefs in wood, paint and fabric which have now become part of Marsac Schools permanent art One felt that these talented children were just scratching the surface of their ability. As we talked to them that night, we realized their excitement and pleasure in viewing their own work, and their enthusiasm to con- tinue with a more comprehensive art program. It appears that this enthusiasm is matched not only b Dr. John Elwell, the principal of Marsac School, and the teachers, but also by the parents and citizens of Park City who are willing to give generously of their time and energy to enrich the program of the arts at Marsac Carter Dreyfuss 500-100- 0. |