ELLENSBURG — The statewide Wolf Advisory group met last week for two days at Central Washington University concerning the state’s growing gray wolf population.
More than 30 people represented the interests of environmentalists, livestock producers and hunters. The public also was invited to sit in on the meetings.
Francine Madden, a newly appointed conflict-resolution consultant with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, facilitated the meeting.
“It’s been phenomenal the whole time, they’re an amazing group,” Madden said on Thursday.
Taped on the walls were lists of what the group plans to discuss at a December meeting in Spokane.
One hot topic was the definition of range riders, the cost of hiring one and who would end up footing the bill. Another topic on the wall was the use of lethal measures against wolves, and when it would be acceptable and what hazing measures should be legal.
The Wolf Advisory Group was created in 2013 in response to the growing population of wolves in the state. The group is still deciding on a meeting dates.