NEWS RELEASE: Idaho Fish & Game muscle wolves back to 2002

December 8, 2010--

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission, in a telephone conference call Wednesday, December 8, suspended Idaho's 2008-2012 species management plan for wolves.

The 2002 Idaho Wolf Conservation and Management Plan, approved by the Idaho Legislature and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, remains in effect as the foundation for wolf management in the state.

With wolves back on the endangered species list, the 2008 plan is moot, said Clearwater Region Commissioner Fred Trevey. It is uncertain when federal protection will end and Idaho will get back full management authority. It is also unclear what conditions will exist when wolves are delisted.

"Keeping the 2008 plan active during this period of uncertainty does not serve any useful purpose," Trevey said.  (except for that pesky science, right?)

says a news release from the Idaho Fish and Game Department. 

The 2002 Idaho Wolf Conservation and Management Plan sets a goal for the state of Idaho at 10-15 packs of wolves rather than the over 500 number of wolves that biologists recommended in the 2008 plan.   

Here is the language of the motion which was unanimously passed: 

IDFG Wolf Motion to suspend 2008 plan

Here is the language of the motion which was unanimously passed:

(1) Continue the pursuit of control actions under 10j for the protection of ungulate herds while wolves remain listed under the Endangered Species Act;

(2) Suspend immediately the 2008-2012 Idaho Wolf Population Management Plan; and

(3) Postpone consideration, until delisting resumes, as to the specifics of day-to-day state wolf management and upon delisting of gray wolves in Idaho; the Commission will direct the Department to prepare an appropriate wolf species management plan, consistent with the 2002 Idaho Wolf Conservation and Management Plan approved by the Idaho Legislature and the u.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

 

Video of the entire meeting where the Idaho Department of Fish and Game Commission adopted the Motion is available here:  The Wildlife News

 See how state management works?  Can you scream FEDERAL PROTECTION OF GRAY WOLVES?