GOVERNOR'S STATEMENT ON FEDERAL WOLF DELISTING PLANS

Cheyenne, Wyo. -- Governor Dave Freudenthal offered the following statement in response to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's announcement today that it plans to remove wolves from federal protection in the northern Rockies:

“Regarding the Fish and Wildlife Service’s hopes to reach some agreement with Wyoming to alter our existing plan, I remain concerned about the amount of private land that would be included in the proposed trophy game area, as well as the definition and number of wolves that would compose a breeding pair. The ultimate question, though, is whether or not Wyoming will be given the flexibility to manage wolves that are causing an unacceptable impact on our elk and moose populations.

“I am delighted by the potential for progress in Montana and Idaho, although it seems to be of limited value for wildlife. I am also pleased that Fish and Wildlife believes the populations in Idaho, Montana and Yellowstone National Park are sufficient for delisting without the other Wyoming packs. This raises the interesting question of whether any packs outside Yellowstone in Wyoming are even necessary.”

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