by Vicky Crystal
LANSING — The 2008 Michigan Wolf Management Plan update is now ready for public viewing and comment.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources created the original draft after extensive input from the public. They established four principal goals in the plan:
1) Maintain a viable wolf population
2) Facilitate wolf-related benefits
3) Minimize wolf-related conflicts
4) Conduct science-based and socially acceptable management
In November 2014 the DNR looked for public comment on implementing this plan. They received more than 3,000 responses. An internal review was then made of the document, and the plan updated. The four main goals remain the same. However, the 2015 update now includes updated scientific literature and new information about wolves in the state.
A thirty 30 comment period is now underway on the updated plan, as well as a companion document summing up the Michigan DNR management accomplishments from the original plan. These documents may be found by clicking here.
Comments must be received no later than April 3, 2015. They may be submitted via email to DNR-Wildlife@michigan.gov, or by regular mail. That address is:
DNR Wildlife Division
P.O.Box 30444
Lansing, MI 48909.