New rules threaten success of wolf reintroduction effort.
Opinion by Suzanne Stone, Defenders of Wildlife

4-20-2004, Updated 4-21 and 4-22

The US Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed new rules for Idaho and Montana governing the management of wolves. Wyoming is not included because they failed to produce an acceptable state wolf conservation plan. Unfortunately, the new rule allow wolves to be killed too easily by both the state and others, and provide no incentive for ranchers to clean up dead animals or manage livestock in a way they don't' attract wolves. This comes after much progress with Idaho ranchers so that the number of cattle killed each year has declined even though the wolf population has grown.

The rules also deemphasizes the role of the Nez Perce Tribal Wolf Recovery Team which has done the bulk of managing Idaho wolves so it has become larger population than the other 2 northern Rockies states and with a minimum of conflicts with other uses.

You can comment on this plan before May 9 and/or attend a hearing in Boise, Idaho today.

Here is the view of Suzanne Stone, Rocky Mountain Field Representative. Defenders of Wildlife.

"Suzanne Stone: New rules threaten success of wolf reintroduction effort." Idaho Statesman.

Tuesday, April 20, 2004 1 ­ 3 pm or 6 ­ 8 pm
(registration to speak begins one hour prior)
The Grove Hotel, Evergreen Room
245 S. Capital Blvd., downtown Boise

Here is the copy of the proposed new rules as it appears in the Federal Register. Pdf file.

Your comments may be sent to the following address: USFWS, Western Gray Wolf Recovery Coordinator, 100 North Park, Number 320, Helena, MT 59601, 406-449-5339 (fax) or westerngraywolf@fws.gov

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4-21-2004. Wolf plan pros, cons. Ranchers, outfitters, environmentalists share views on new management rules. Idaho Statesman.

4-22-2004. The Idaho Conservation League has put out a nice alert on the need for comments. "Help Save Idaho’s Wolves! Action Alert." This includes a form to help you submit your comments.