Feds Consider Removing Wolves From Endangered Species Act

The federal government is holding hearings to obtain public comments regarding the delisting of Rocky Mountain wolves from the Endangered Species Act (ESA). It is critical that sportsmen attend the hearings in order to counter the emotional claims of anti-hunting forces, who seem to believe that a species’ listing should be permanent. Of course, the success of the ESA comes when a species, like the wolf, is delisted because its numbers recover after once being dangerously low.

Wolves have their place within the ecosystem.  But, as with other species, sportsmen must be allowed to appropriately manage their numbers.  Delisting will allow state game officials to provide for regulated hunting and trapping. Without this, wolves will continue to take an unacceptably high toll on elk, moose, and deer populations.

Six open house meetings in different states are scheduled on the proposed delisting (all six public hearings will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.): 
 
Cheyenne, WY:  February 27, 2007, at Holiday Inn Cheyenne, 204 West Fox Farm Road.
 
Salt Lake City, UT:  February 28, 2007, at Plaza Hotel, 122 West South Temple.

Helena, MT:  March 1, 2007, at Jorgenson's Inn & Suites, 1714 11th Avenue.

Boise, ID:  March 6, 2007, at Boise Convention Center on the Grove, 850 Front Street.

Pendleton, OR:  March 7, 2007, at Pendleton Red Lion Inn, 304 S.E. Nye Street.

Spokane Valley, WA:  March 8, 2007, at Oxford Inns & Suites, 15015 East Indiana Avenue.

Anyone wishing to make an oral statement for the record is encouraged to provide a written copy of his or her statement and present it at the hearing.  In the event there is a large attendance, the time allotted for oral statements may be limited.  Speakers can only sign up at the open houses and hearings.  Oral and written statements receive equal consideration. There are no limits on the length of written comments submitted. 

If you have any questions concerning the public hearings, please contact Sharon Rose (303) 236-4580.  Persons needing reasonable accommodations in order to attend and participate in the public hearings in Boise, ID; Pendleton, OR; or Spokane, WA, should contact Joan Jewett at (503) 231-6211; or, for hearings in Cheyenne, WY; Salt Lake City, UT; or Helena, MT, Sharon Rose at (303) 236-4580.  If needed, please call as soon as possible in order to allow sufficient time to process requests.  Also, please call no later than one week before the hearing date.

Please attend the hearings in your area and let your voice be heard!