An effort to restore grizzly bears to Washington’s North Cascades is nearing the completion of its first step. An environmental impact study being conducted by the National Park Service will conclude this summer, and release its results for public comment. If people favor it, bears could be transferred there from healthy populations elsewhere as soon as five years from now.

But why bring the enormous predators back to Washington? Ecologist and filmmaker Chris Morgan explores the issue in this short video.

Interested in learning more about the grizzly’s possible return to the North Cascades? The Seattle Times has covered this issue in depth.