Extirpated Species Foundation
Current Project
Fisher (Martes pennanti)
The fisher was once found as far south as North Carolina and Georgia. Audubon and Bachman (1846) stated: "We have seen several skins produced in East Tennessee". The species was extirpated in the southern highlands by the late 1880's. In 1969, the fisher was reintroduced into the upper regions of the Appalachian chain in West Virginia. From the original 23 animals released, the population has increased to the point of complete re-establishment.
In 1993, the ESF Director, Bob Long, prepared a proposal for the reintroduction of fisher into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This proposal was placed on hold until biologists could determine the impact, if any, of fisher reintroduction on the endangered northern flying squirrel. Rather than wait for this determination, the Foundation made the decision to pursue fisher reintroduction in other areas where the northern flying squirrel was not at issue. In 1998, ESF contacted Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) concerning reintroduction of fisher into the 80,000 acre Castoosa Wildlife Management Area near Crossville Tennessee. Provided the foundation acquires the needed funding, TWRA representatives were enthusiastic over the possibility of such a cooperative project. In March of 1999, the ESF director traveled to northern Wisconsin to arrange acquisition of 40 fishers for the project. After meeting with representative from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, National Forest Service, and local tribal biologist, Wisconsin DNR graciously agreed to forgo the usual $500/animal cost for wildlife furnished to other states ($20,000 savings to the project).
During June 2000, the Extirpated Species Foundation received two sponsors in funding the fisher project. The two sponsors were the Defenders of Wildlife of Washington, D.C. and Duracell of Cleveland, Tennessee. Tim Edwards, Duracell's Environmental Health & Safety Manager, arranged this project partnership with the ESF. Edwards said, "Duracell is very pleased to participate in this history making project in bringing the fisher back to Tennessee."
On February 22, 2001, commissioners with the TWRA and Wisconsin DNR gave final approval for the project. During October 2001, volunteers from the Extirpated Species Foundation and TWRA personnel traveled to northern Wisconsin and successfully trapped 20 fishers over a two week period. The 11 females and 9 males were released in the Catoosa Wildlife Management area in Tennessee. Bob Ferris, Vice President, of species conservation for Defenders of Wildlife, said "With the return of the fisher, the mountains of East Tennessee are a little bit more natural than they were last week. This project demonstrates that when state agencies, tribes, and the private sector work together great things can be accomplished."
During October 2002, 20 additional fishers from Wisconsin were released at the same Catoosa site. To date, all fishers are doing well, with the exception of normal mortalities. Recent information from TWRA, indicates the fisher has expanded its range from Crossville Tennessee northward into southern Kentucky and eastward to Norris Lake.
Plans are presently underway for a similar project near Cherokee National Forest in East Tennessee. We have recently learned, additional fishers will be available from the state of Wisconsin during the fall of 2007. In order to take advantage of this rare opportunity to aquire animals for the Cherokee Project, ESF must raise $20,000 to fund the first year of the project. Currently we are desperately searching for a corporate sponsor for the project. Can you help us find funding for this history making project. Contact us at bob@extirpated.org.
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