Wolf Supporters Comments Needed In Montana. Immediately

A anti-wolf bill now before the Montana Legislature threatens to allow Montanans to shoot wolves on sight if not removed from the Endangered
Species Act's protection by the end of 2003.  This bill would replace the Montana Wolf Management Plan (expected to be released by late spring 2003)
originally drafted by a committee of wide-ranging interests and reviewed through a substantial public comment process.  Rep. Dan Fuchs, R-Billings,
the bill's sponsor DANICLINT@AOL.COM, is a leading opponent of wolves in Montana.  The hearing for this bill and a second on
http://data.opi.state.mt.us/bills/2003/billhtml/HB0262.htm  also threatening wolves and other native predators in the state is scheduled to be heard in the Fish, Wildlife and Parks committee at 3 pm, room 152, on Thursday, January 30th.   If you are a resident, it is vital that you attend or contact your state representatives to voice your support for wolves. Visit the Montana State Legislature's website for contact information at http://www.leg.state.mt.us/css/default.asp Ironically, as these bills move forward, Montana is seeking to strengthen the state's economy through "the promotion of the state as a vacation destination and film location... Montana strives to promote a quality experience to visitors while encouraging preservation of Montana's environment and quality of life."  Please remind Governor Judy Martz and the state travel agency that wolves are a vital component of the state's wildlife and tourism.

We encourage comments to be respectful as hostility often deepens the polarization and animosity toward wolves.

You may contact the Governor's office via phone at (406) 444-3111 or by writing to: Governor Judy Martz, State Capitol, Helena, MT 59620-0801. You may contact her by email through the state's website at http://www.discoveringmontana.com/gov2/css/staff/contact.asp

Please also share your comments and concerns with the state travel department. You may contact: Betsy Baumgart
Montana Promotion Division Administrator
(406) 841-2872
bbaumgart@state.mt.us
TRAVEL MONTANA
Department of Commerce
PO Box 7549
Missoula MT 59807-7549
(1-800-847-4868)

We encourage you to forward your comments to the leaders of the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee:

Joe Balyeat  (R) HD 32, Chair 6909 Rising Eagle Rd. Bozeman, MT 59715-8621 Legislative Hotline:  (406) 444-4800 JOEBALYEAT@YAHOO.COM

George Golie (D) HD 44, Vice Chair 316 20TH Ave. S Great Falls, MT 59405-4131 Legislative Hotline:  (406) 444-4800 GGOLIE@IN-TCH.COM

Thank you for your help protecting wolves in Montana.

For the Wild Ones,

Suzanne (Laverty) Stone Northwest Field Representative Defenders of Wildlife P.O. Box 773 Boise, ID 83701 Fax: (208) 424-0169 Phone: (208) 424-9385 Email: SStone@defenders.org