2-to-1 for wolves in Spokane
The Fish and Wildlife Commission was likely surprised by wolf supporters turning out almost 2 to 1 in favor of the state's wolf Conservation and Management Plan in Spokane last week. But it shouldn’t be a surprise because the plan strikes the right balance of science-based conservation and pro-active management. Eastern Washington Pastor Barrett Lindsey praised the diligent work of the WA Department of Fish & Wildlife in drafting the plan and reminded the Commission that “dominion” means stewardship, not domination, and that wolves are an important part of God’s creation. You can take action by Nov 18 to ensure a healthy future for Washington's wolves!
After your lunch break - you too can "testify" for wolves like these supporters in Spokane did, by sending your letter for Washington's wolves by Nov 18!
If the Washington Fish & Wildlife Commission was expecting a strong turnout from the anti-wolf crowd at their final pubic meeting on the state's wolf plan in Spokane last week, they were probably a bit surprised. Wolf supporters turned out almost 2 to 1 in favor of the WA Department of Fish & Wildlife’s Wolf Conservation and Management Plan.
But it shouldn’t be a surprise, because the Plan, once a person takes the time to read it, really does strike the right balance of science-based conservation and proactive management that lines up with Washington’s values when it comes to wolves.
A recent WA Department of Fish & Wildlife poll that showed approximately 75% of the public supports wolf recovery and over 65% support the kinds of wolf management tools allowed for in this plan.
Comments in support of the wolf plan came from a wide range of voices, including biologists, farmers, hunters, rural and urban dwellers who appreciate wolves. Eastern Washington Pastor Barrett Lindsey praised the diligent work of the state. He reminded the Commission that “dominion” means stewardship, not domination, and that wolves and other top predators are an important part of God’s creation.
At their next meeting in early December, the Commission will make a final decision whether to pass the Wolf Conservation & Management Plan or alter it to cater to a small number of special interests. Tinkering with the plan’s scientifically credible population and distribution numbers would put wolf recovery and the Plan itself at risk.
The final Wolf Conservation and Management Plan developed by WA Department of Fish & Wildlife and the citizen stakeholder wolf working group was an incredibly inclusive process that produced a balanced, science-based plan that comes with a toolbox of pro-active management options and one of the most liberal compensation packages to cover wolf-killed livestock in the West.
Not to mention the fact that the plan has already been through a robust round of public input and scientific review, including four years of wolf working group collaboration and negotiation and public comment at dozens of meetings around the state.
After all that, we can only hope that the Commission will decide not to jeopardize the state plan by making unnecessary and politically motivated changes.
If you haven’t already, please write the Commission and urge them to pass the wolf plan as is without jeopardizing the balance of science and management that will work for all of us here in Washington (especially the wolves).
