Wyoming files lawsuit over the federal rejection of their wolf plan

Unlike Idaho and Montana, which produced state wolf plans acceptable to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wyoming has decided to fight in federal court over the rejection of their plan which in reality would pretty much confine wolves the state to Yellowstone National Park, and a few adjacent wilderness areas with little year round wolf habitat.

Stories:

• State Files Wolf Lawsuit. Jackson Hole Zone.
• Wyoming sues over denial of their wolf plan. By Mike Stark of The Billings Gazette.

While Wyoming fights in court, USFWS has proposed an amendment to the ESA's section 10(j) rule governing the reintroduction and management of wolves in Idaho and Montana given the states more authority. This is giving wolf supporters heartburn because of the proposed rules' laxity regarding the killing of wolves and the lack of responsibility it imposes on ranchers and outfitters.  The rule also allows the states to kill wolves where it is deemed they are hurting big game populations, which in the view of the ideologically driven Idaho Fish and Game Commission, is just about everywhere.

Alert on the 10(j) rules amendment from the Idaho Conservation League. Your comments are due May 9, 2004.
 

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