08 March 2009
Wolves Delisted-States to take over management
)Published on March 8th, 2009 @ 07:54:59 pm, using 865 words, 992 views
Another great moment is upon us in conservation history. On March 6th wolves were again removed from the endangered species list. This is exciting news for any lover of wildlife. States such as Montana, Wyoming and Idaho will have the opportunity again to manage wolves like all other wildlife are managed-with science. That said-now is the time to contact those who make decisions (not me). Write letters and express your support based on sound, modern science. Litigations will certainly bear their ugly heads, but perhaps the new people in charge will do what’s right, not what special interest groups influence. I will keep an eye on things and keep you all posted. I hope you will do your part as well. Below are some quotes with more links.
KNOW THE FACTS: Hunter or not, know the facts-many proponents have done a great job of manipulating the facts-don’t allow these groups to mislead you! I am personally in full support of delisting because I have witnessed solid, successful management of mountain lions and black bears, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has been successful for years.
MANAGEMENT: Wolves WILL NOT BE HUNTED TO EXTINCTION-extremely qualified scientists and conservationists-MILLIONS of CONSERVATIONISTS agree they must be managed like any other wild game animals. DO NOT BUY INTO THE TERRORIST GROUPS trying to manipulate you or wildlife to PLEASE THEMSELVES.
MONEY-Most of the millions of dollars spent to help re-introduce wolves came from conservationists, many of them hunters. If you really want to donate money and time to a true symbol of the west-save the Buffalo-let them roam free too-don’t pick and choose!
HUNTING-WOLVES ARE NOT HUNTED IN YELLOWSTONE PARK-NEVER WILL BE-get over it! 
The very scientists who have made wolf recovery possible agree with delisting and hunting. The number of wolves have far exceeded original goals. Wildlife has to be managed-the notion of “natural regulation” only possible in Yellowstone Park, and barely-due to human manipulation. That same manipulation is heard in those who continue to want to see wolves FROM THE ROAD in the Park-these people are not scientists. Yellowstone is 2.2 million acres. Just because you don’t see a wolf doesn’t mean they aren’t there-they are incredible predators and do not only “weed out the weak” when numbers exceed what food sources can provide. Wolves have been hunted and not eliminated. Please use common sense.
– Quotes in reaction to Friday’s decision by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to uphold a determination by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to remove gray wolves in Idaho, Montana and the western Great Lakes region from the federal endangered list:
“Unfortunately, the Obama Administration adopted the exact same approach as the Bush Administration. We are evaluating our options going forward. The more things change, the more they stay the same.” - Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal (D)
–
“I have always supported delisting, and this is good news. We need to support folks working together on the ground in Montana on our smart wolf management plan.” - Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont.
—
“Wyoming exceeded by leaps and bounds the number of wolves in the original recovery goals. It’s time to let the states, all the states, have their shot at managing the wolves.” - Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo.
—
“If all three states don’t have responsible management plans, then it doesn’t make sense to delist in a piecemeal fashion. If we don’t get this right, we’ll be right back to square one with wolves back on the Endangered Species List.” - Melanie Stein, Sierra Club.
—
“Delisting the wolf in Montana and Idaho but not Wyoming simply does not make sense. Wolves don’t check for state boundaries,” Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo.
—
“We understand that people want the states to manage wolves. We want the same. But only under a reasonable federal wolf delisting plan, or wolves will just end up back on the Endangered Species List.” - Anne Carlson, wildlife biologist with Western Wolf Coalition.
—
“I’ve had extensive discussions on this issue with other members of Congress from the West, including Rep. John Salazar, a fellow Blue Dog Democrat and western Colorado cattle rancher who happens to be the secretary’s brother. They all recognize the need for local collaboration and local control, and were instrumental in helping move the delisting forward.” - Rep. Walt Minnick, D-Idaho.
—
“We know that well-intentioned but narrowly focused interest groups will challenge this decision, but we in Idaho are determined to continue our policy of responsibly managing wolves for a viable, sustainable population that can coexist with our ungulate herds, our livestock and our people.” - Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter ®.
–
“As a rancher, I know firsthand the frustrations many Montanans have felt over the continued unnecessary federal management of wolves, and that’s why I asked the President to uphold the previous delisting decision.” Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont.
—
“We’re pleased the new administration agrees that Montana has done its part to ensure that the wolves are established and secure in this part of the Northern Rockies. Now it’s time for the state to take over management of this wildlife species.” - Joe Maurier, director of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
Permanent Link