More on the wolf plan - summer events and meetings
Learning to live with wolves: Learn more and join us at wolf hearings and other events.
This summer, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is finalizing its Wolf Conservation and Management Plan for wolf recovery and taking public comment at hearings around the state.
The draft plan process generated thousands of public comments. It was also peer reviewed by scientists. The plan, and Washington's wolves, have widespread support.
This is easily one of the most critical times for the future of Washington's wolves, and there will be many ways you can help! Your presence at upcoming meeting before the Washington Fish & Wildlife Commission, will be a lifeline for wolves.
Summer dates for wolves
WOLF EVENTS
Aug 16 - Ellensburg "Living with Wolves" presentation, with speakers, at the Hal Holmes Center
FISH & WILDLIFE COMMISSION MEETINGS
Aug 4 - Olympia the WDFW presents the plan to the Fish & Wildlife Commission, who then take public testimony on the proposed plan.
Aug 29 - Ellensburg the Commission takes public testimony on the wolf plan.
Oct 6 - Olympia the Commission takes public testimony on the wolf plan.
Nov 3 - Olympia the Commission takes public testimony on the wolf plan.
Dec 2/3 - Olympia Fish & Wildlife commission votes to approve the final state wolf plan.
Want to attend a hearing for wolves? RSVP.
Can't attend a hearing? Please write a letter or send an online message for Washington's wolves!
Wolf plan history in a nutshell
In 2006, WDFW starting developing a state-wide gray wolf management and conservation plan, following the example of neighboring states and planning ahead for the expected natural return of wolves to Washington. The agency was advised by a Wolf Working Group, who helped identify wolf population objectives and outline conservation and management strategies for Washington's wolves.
The 17 members of the working group came from a diverse background, and included people from livestock and timber industries, local government, and recreation and conservation groups, including Conservation Northwest. The agency took public comment on the draft wolf plan in 2009; it received 65,000 comments.
The draft plan was peer-reviewed by scientists in 2010. The proposed final plan is being presented for review and adoption by the Fish and Wildlife Commission by the end of 2011.
