University of Montana ScholarWorks at University of Montana Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers Graduate School 1996 Sled dogs in our environment| Possibilities and implications | a socio-ecological study Arna Dan Isacsson The University of Montana Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd Let us know how access to this document benefits ou.y Recommended Citation Isacsson, Arna Dan, "Sled dogs in our environment| Possibilities and implications | a socio-ecological study" (1996). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 3581. https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/3581 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at ScholarWorks at University of Montana. It has been accepted for inclusion in Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks at University of Montana. For more information, please contact [email protected]. I i s Maureen and Mike MANSFIELD LIBRARY The University ofIVIONTANA. Permission is granted by the author to reproduce this material in its entirety, provided that this material is used for scholarly purposes and is properly cited in published works and reports. ** Please check "Yes" or "No" and provide signature ** / Yes, I grant permission No, I do not grant permission Author's Signature Date 13 ^ Any copying for commercial purposes or financial gain may be undertaken only with the author's explicit consent. SLED DOGS IN OUR ENVIRONMENT Possibilities and Implications A Socio-ecological Study by Ama Dan Isacsson Presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Environmental Studies The University of Montana 1996 A pproved by: Chairperson Dean, Graduate School (2 - n-çç Date UMI Number: EP35506 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. UMI Dissartafion PVblistwng UMI EP35506 Published by ProQuest LLC (2012). Copyright in the Dissertation held by the Author. Microform Edition © ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. This work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code uest* ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, Ml 48106-1346 SLED DOCS IN OUR ENVI RONMENT Possibilities and Implications A SOCIO-ECOLOGICAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES TheMontana University of Isacsson, A.D., M.S., December 1996 Environmental Studies Sled Dogs in Our Environment Possibilities and Implications A Socio-ecological Study (209 pp.) Director: Tom Roy ^ In this paper I address two main areas of concern relating to sled dog activities: ecological and social issues. As a framework for directing these issues, I present the results from questionnaires targeting two main groups: land management agencies and the sled dog community (mushers). There is an increasing interest in sled dog activities in Montana as well as globally. There is very little written information on utilization of sled dogs in Montana; however, most mushers depend on public lands for their activities. In several other Rocky Mountain states there is a growing trend toward banning dogs from public trails. This ban is mostly a result of irresponsible pet dog ownership with conflicts between dogs and other user groups; nevertheless, a ban that also affects sled dog activities. To establish whether Montana public lands may be subject to such a ban I have compiled the responses from Montana land management agencies. Their answers indicate problem areas of dog activities and whether they pertain to sled dogs or other dogs. Land managers voice their concerns as well as make several suggestions on how conceivably to avoid administrative problems with dogs on public lands. From the responses of the musher questionnaire I draw information from individuals' personal experiences and perspectives on both social and ecological issues. I examine mushers' views on negative attributes as well as positive rapport with sled dog activities in the public debate. By conferring the stories and sentiments from these individuals my intent is to convey interactions between sled dog owners, their dogs, their communities, and the land they use. I also offer views and perspectives on many of the issues from veterinarians as well as mushers and land managers from Alaska whom I contacted or interviewed. Along with suggestions from the land managers as well as the mushers, I offer recommendations for appropriate canine management from other sources as well. To provide sled dog literacy for the reader I have included a variety of peripheral information on sled dogs and sled dog activities and a brief exploration of the role of the dog in the human experience. 11 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I could neither have attempted a graduate degree nor could I live and enjoy my lifestyle without the overwhelming support, encouragement and love from my friends. I especially want to thank Ami Gjestson, my brother J-Man, my father "pappa," Steve Brunanski, my sister Ewa, Tracy Sherick, Karen Wilson, Don Wood, Darla Zimmerman, Tom Roy and my earth angel. Hank Goetz, for their undying support. I could include so many who motivated and inspired me through my many years of struggle, and would like to mention Land Lindbergh, The Iversons, Jennifer Bosley, Denise Pidcock, Stacia Graham, Sandy Bolles, Ronn Gjestson, Jack Beckstrom, Doug Swingley, Sarah Sanford and Jerod Pierce. I want to thank my committee members, Tom Roy, Wayne Freimund and Brian Sharkey for their initial interests in my graduate project and their continued patience with the process. DEDICATIONS To Georgi You lived in awe of life, and you died in awe of death — You are my greatest teacher. And for my mother, Mona Dan Bergman, whose life and death taught me that if there is no struggle, there is no progress. Ill TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgements ................................................................................................... iii I. IN TR O D U C TIO N ......................................................................................................... 1 Motivation and purpose.......................................................................................1 II. M ETH O D S......................................................................................................................4 III. MANAGING DOGS ON PUBLIC LANDS............................................................7 B ackground ............................................................................................................. 7 Land Management Survey Results ................................................................. 11 Ecological Considerations of Sled Dogs in the Backcountry .................. 49 IV. THE M USHERS...........................................................................................................61 Montana Musher Profiles .................................................................................. 61 The Complicated Joys of Running With Dogs............................................ 78 Sled Dog Related Social Issues ...................................................................... 102 V. CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS.............................................................117 APPENDIX A. The Alaskan Experience...........................................................121 APPENDIX B. Background .................................................................................. 138 The First Dogs What are Dog Breeds? What are Sled Dogs? What is Dog Sledding or Mushing? What makes dogs run? Training and conditioning The Equipment APPENDIX C. History ........................................................................................... 162 History of Dogs in Montana Recent History of Sled Dogs in Montana Contemporary Tradition in Montana APPENDIX D. Survey Sheet on Socio-ecological Considerations of Domestic Canine Activities on Public Lands ........................................ 174 APPENDIX E. Musher Questionnaire ............................................................... 179 APPENDIX F. Veterinary Questionnaire .........................................................183 APPENDIX G. Organizations and Publications of Interest ........................187 SOURCES .................................................................................................................. 204 IV I. INTRODUCTION Motivation and Purpose Two main areas of concern motivated this study: one was my realization that most sled dog activities in Montana take place on public lands. In Montana there are around 100 active mushers. Every year sled dog events attract mushers from other states as well. My supposition was that many land management agencies were not aware of this use, because most land management plans are not inclusive of any canine activity. In many states problematic pet dogs on public lands have become a managerial challenge. As a result, some states have opted to completely ban dogs from public lands and trails. Consequently, all dogs including sled dogs are affected in these areas. With a steadily increasing influx of people to Montana, and with mushing becoming a rapidly growing winter activity, I entertain the possibility of public lands closing their access to dogs. Are