Governor To Appoint Citizen Council To Help Develop Wolf Management Plan

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Governor Marc Racicot is seeking individuals to serve on a citizen council to help Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks develop a wolf management plan in anticipation of the wolf’s eventual delisting under the federal Endangered Species Act.

An estimated 25 breeding wolf packs exist in the Montana, Idaho and Wyoming recovery areas. A federal plan currently calls for establishing 10 packs in each of the three areas for three years before delisting can occur. Federal wolf managers recently said, however, that the plan could be amended so that a total of 30 packs in the tri-state area could trigger delisting, a process that could begin in about three years. Once delisted the wolves would come under state management.

"There are many decisions to make about how many wolves will inhabit Montana, how they will be managed, their distribution and who pays for management," said Patrick Graham, director of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. "The citizen panel will advise on these issues and assist FWP as it drafts a plan for the governor’s approval and eventual approval by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service."

Graham said Gov. Racicot seeks to appoint a diverse group of citizens who have demonstrated an ability to work constructively toward solving problems.

"For this plan to be accepted by Montanans and others across the nation, we must consider the needs of the wolf, its prey, and the people who live and work on the land," Graham said.

People who are interested should submit their name, describe their interest and why they would make a good representative by February 11, 2000 to: Patrick Graham, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, P.O. Box 200701, Helena MT 59620-0701.