Wolf recovery
Wolves are returning on their own to Washington. As of Dec 2011, a science-based wolf plan is now official, helping them to recover.
-
- Lookout wolf pups, 2008. Conservation NW remote cam
Wolf plan brings balance
In a fitting end to a long and collaborative process, the Fish and Wildlife Commission on Dec. 3, 2011 unanimously approved a state plan for Washington's wolves.
Recent press on the plan
The approved plan is a pragmatic and broadly supported management plan for restoring wolves, minimizing livestock/wolf conflicts, maintaining healthy ungulate populations and hunting opportunities, and ensuring that wolves can eventually serve their keystone role in Washington’s ecosystems.
At the heard of the Wolf Conservation and Management Plan is protection for Washington's wolves under state endangered species law until there are at least 15 breeding pairs well distributed among three separate areas across the state. At that point they are considered recovered in the state and can be "downlisted" from endangered species protection.
An outpouring of support for wolves in Washington bolstered support for the science-based, balanced plan. Thank you for speaking up for wolves!
Wolf plan background
- Washington's wolf plan is approved by the Fish & Wildlife Commission. Dec 2011
- WDFW releases an environmental impact statement and preferred plan to address conservation, management, and recovery of Washington's gray wolves. Summer 2011
- The Teanaway pack was documented just north of I-90 in the central Washington Cascades and the Smackout pack near the Selkirks, bringing the wolf population to five confirmed packs and 30 to 50 animals. July 2011
- A grand jury released indictments against several Washington residents for the killings. June 2011
- Conservation Northwest contributes funding together with WDFW toward a $10,000 reward fund for information leading to the conviction poachers of Washington's wildlife. There has been no poaching of wolves since the increase in the reward fund. March 2011
- The plan and draft environmental impact statement (EIS) is presented at hearings throughout the state and goes on to receive 65,000 comments, the vast majority positive towards wolf recovery. 2009-2010
- Members of the Lookout wolf pack, including the alpha female, are poached. 2009
- Conservation Northwest cameras document the first wolf pack in Washington in 70 years: the Lookout pack in the upper Methow Valley. 2008
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) begins drafting a wolf plan with the help of a 17-member citizen-based Wolf Working Group, which includes conservationists, ranchers, and livestock producers. 2007
