“Wyoming needs a solution that ensures our state’s solid wolf management plan is not repeatedly subject to endless litigation in Washington D.C. courtrooms. I am actively pursuing legislative options that give Wyoming’s wolf management plan the same level of protection afforded to Idaho and Montana.”
The task of wolf management in Wyoming is changing hands once again.
Last week Governor Matt Mead decided to take congressional action in an attempt to regain state management over wolves in Wyoming. Control was turned over to the federal government last month under the Endangered Species Act after a judge found the state’s management plan did not contain a buffer for the wolf population.
“It was not about how we managed wolves, it was about the rule making process that established our plan,” Renny MacKay communications director for the Wyoming game and fish department, and former communications director for Gov. Mead said. “The judges decision was mostly positive and defended our management efforts.”
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service and Wyoming Game and Fish are working together in defending Wyoming’s plan. Any change in plan will come from collaboration between the state legislature, the governor and the Game and Fish Commission working together with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Congressional action was taken in both Idaho and Montana over similar issues dictating that lawsuits could not be used to overturn the decision to take wolves off the endangered species. “If congress acted we would be in the same position,” MacKay said.
All three Wyoming congressional delegates have said that they are willing to support the removal in Washington.
“Wyoming is in the best position to manage the wolf, not Washington,” Barrasso said. “Wyoming has honored its commitment and put together a solid and working plan to protect the state’s wolf population.”
“The cycle of never-ending litigation must end,” Senator John Barrasso said. “Wyoming needs a solution that ensures our state’s solid wolf management plan is not repeatedly subject to endless litigation in Washington D.C. courtrooms. I am actively pursuing legislative options that give Wyoming’s wolf management plan the same level of protection afforded to Idaho and Montana.”
Senator Enzi holds a similar standpoint.
“Senator Enzi is working with Senator Barrasso and Representative Lummis to overturn the wolf ruling and no option is being left off the table,” Daniel Head, press secretary for Senator Enzi, said. “The wolf population has recovered in Wyoming and Senator Enzi believes the state’s wolf plan is the right tool for making sure the animal is not relisted. It’s time to take this issue out of the courts.”
The Game and Fish Department is also eager for the state to regain management.
“Game and fish department does believe that wildlife management is best done by the state and it is our role to manage the people’s wildlife,” MacKay said. “It is our mission to serve wildlife and to serve the people and we do that with guidance from the legislature and the WY game and fish commission.”
Both senators placed an emphasis on Wyoming’s capability to manage the species.
“Wyoming is in the best position to manage the wolf, not Washington,” Barrasso said. “Wyoming has honored its commitment and put together a solid and working plan to protect the state’s wolf population.”
