Michigan Hires State Wolf Coordinator
From the Michigan DNR
State wildlife officials announced the recent hiring of a State Wolf Coordinator to assist Michiganýs wolf management efforts.
The action comes as the US Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to remove the gray wolf from the federal Endangered Species list. The proposal, when finalized, allows the Michigan Department of Natural Resources full management authority for Michiganýs wolves. Last winterýs survey documented at least 360 animals throughout the Upper Peninsula.
Brian Roell, formerly a DNR wildlife technician and a life-long Upper Peninsula resident, was selected as Michiganýs wolf coordinator following a lengthy search. The position, housed at the Marquette Operation Service Center, oversees education and outreach efforts, population monitoring, depredation investigations, and communication with other agencies and groups working with wolves.
“Michigan recognizes the importance of the federal proposal to delist the gray wolf,” said DNR Wildlife Chief William Moritz. “The Michigan DNR has enjoyed a successful wolf recovery and management partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife Service to date, and we will be an active participant in the coming months as this process continues.”
The USFWS is accepting comments on the proposed delisting until mid-November. The federal agency will conduct public hearings at three sites in Michigan to provide interested people the opportunity to learn more about the proposed delisting, and provide input on the proposal. The specific cities, locations, and times will be announced soon. That information and additional details on the delisting proposal can be found on the USFWS web site, http://midwest.fws.gov/wolf