REGIONAL— Minnesota’s iconic gray wolf is the focus of upcoming public input opportunities sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources.
In three virtual meetings and a parallel online input period, the public will be asked to weigh in on various questions about wolves, including specific questions and open comment opportunities about wolf numbers and geographic range, conservation options, and impacts on agriculture and other wildlife species.
The DNR is seeking this input as it updates the state’s 20-year-old wolf management plan.
“Discussions about wolves bring out opinions from a broad range of interests,” said Dan Stark, DNR wolf management specialist. “We want to both provide information about wolves in Minnesota and understand the concerns and issues that people have about the future of wolf management. These public meetings are part of a broader process to update the plan and give people an opportunity to share their views.”
How to take part
The virtual open houses will include informational presentations from the DNR and allow real-time public input and Q&A. The open houses will each focus on a particular geographic area, and all are welcome to join the open house focusing on their area of the state or region of interest. Each takes place from 6-8 p.m.
• Northwest region – Tuesday, Sept. 29.
• Central and southern region, including Twin Cities metro area – Tuesday, Oct. 6.
• Northeast region – Thursday, Oct. 8.
The open houses will be accessible by computer, smartphone, or phone (audio only for those joining by phone). Registration for the event is required and will be available Monday, Sept. 21, on the wolf plan webpage. Individuals wishing to be notified when registration opens can sign up to receive updates about wolves from the DNR.
Source: http://timberjay.com/stories/dnr-seeks-comment-on-gray-wolf-plan-update,16771