MT Farm Bureau intervenes in wolf delisting case
by Mark Holyoak (KPAX News)
BOZEMAN, MT — The Montana Farm Bureau Federation filed a motion to intervene in another case in which Alliance for the Wild Rockies, Defenders of Wildlife and other environmental activists are suing the federal government to stop wolf delisting. Delisting was included in the Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act and signed by President Obama.
“Our membership consists of thousands of Montana ranchers, farmers, and concerned citizens who have interests directly impacted by the proper or improper management of wildlife populations in Montana, including gray wolves,” notes MFBF Executive Vice President Jake Cummins. “Our members own and operate farms and ranches in those areas of Montana inhabited and traversed by gray wolves where their cows, sheep and even their pets have become prey for these vicious predators.”
Cummins notes that MFBF has a keen interest in the management of the gray wolf population.
“If delisting is declared unconstitutional again, our members will suffer,” Cummins noted. “Farming and ranching is a mainstay of the Montana economy and the increased presence of wolves has created a lot of uncertainty on what it takes to raise livestock safely in our state and has taken an emotional and financial toll on our members.”