Friday, the National Park Service (NPS) tentatively decided to transport 20-30 gray wolves to Isle Royale in Michigan over the next three years to replenish a population that has nearly died out because of inbreeding and disease.

Currently, the Lake Superior island remains home to just two wolves.

But a strong wolf pack is needed to keep Isle Royale’s growing moose population under control. With a pair left to feast on them, the moose are undergoing a population explosion that could endanger the wilderness area’s fir trees and eventually cause many of the moose to starve.

The NPS will make a final decision in 30 days, after the public has had an opportunity to review a new environmental statement that endorses the restoration plan.