Federal wildlife agency to review status of gray wolves
By Paul A. Smith of the Journal Sentinel
Agreeing that petitions to remove Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves in the Upper Midwest may have merit, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced last week it will begin an in-depth review of the species’ status.
The decision, known as a 90-day finding, is based on scientific information but also includes a public comment period.
It comes on the heels of four petitions to remove protection from the gray wolf in the states of Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The petitions were submitted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and Safari Club International with the National Rifle Association.
Several groups, including the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, also expressed intent to sue the agency to allow delisting.
The finding responds only to the petitions, according to the agency.
The news was well-received at several Wisconsin sources, including the Department of Natural Resources and the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation.
“This is a positive first step to eventual delisting,” said DNR Secretary Matt Frank. “We are confident the upcoming review of scientific information on wolves will show Wisconsin has a healthy and growing population of gray wolves that no longer needs federal protection and that the state has a well-reasoned and scientifically valid management plan in place for wolves.”
Wildlife officials in Wisconsin and Minnesota believe transferring management of wolves to state natural resource agencies will allow better control of the population, especially problem animals, and will provide needed protections for livestock and pet owners, according to a statement from the Wisconsin DNR.
Further, the Wisconsin DNR believes managing wolves at a reasonable and sustainable level will lead to improved public tolerance and acceptance of wolves as a native species with an important role in our ecosystems.
The USFWS first proposed removing the gray wolf from the endangered species list in the western Great Lakes region in 1998. Delisting was achieved twice, but in both cases the actions were nullified by court rulings, most recently July 1, 2009.
Wisconsin’s wolf population has grown rapidly over the last decade and was estimated at 700 animals at the end of the 2009-’10 winter. The state’s original recovery goal was 200 wolves. But while the wolf is under federal protection, the state is limited in its management options for the animal.
The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation reiterated its call for citizens to speak out on the issue of wolf delisting.
“It is critically important that sportsmen and women throughout the state sign this citizen petition in large numbers to show federal officials there is strong public support for removal of the wolf from the Endangered Species Act,” said Jack Nissen of Dousman, WWF president.
According to the USFWS, “the finding does not mean the Service has decided it is appropriate to remove federal protection under the ESA for gray wolves in these states. Rather, it triggers a more thorough review of all the biological information available.”
The process requires the USFWS to make a decision on delisting within 12 months.
The public may submit information regarding the service’s status review of the gray wolf by the following methods:
Internet: Visit www.regulations.gov. In the box that reads “Enter Keyword or ID,” enter the Docket number for this finding: FWS-R3-ES-2010-0062. Check the box that reads “Open for Comment/Submission,” and then click the Search button. You should then see an icon that reads “Submit a Comment.” Please ensure that you have found the correct rulemaking before submitting your comment.
U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attention: FWS-R3-ES-2010-0062; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222; Arlington, VA 22203.
Comments must be received by Nov. 15.