KPLU Local News
(2009-11-11)
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COEUR D'ALENE, ID
(KPLU) -
Washington state officials are digesting hundreds of comments after 12 public meetings on their draft plan for managing wolves. The last hearing was last night in Wenatchee. The plan would go into effect when the population reaches a certain level. But KPLU's Doug Nadvornick reports there's disagreement about what that level should be.
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Washington's proposed wolf management plan
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In neighboring Idaho, hunters have killed nearly a hundred of the state's 850 wolves this fall. It's Idaho's first-ever wolf season.
Washington's population is much smaller, with only two confirmed breeding pairs. State officials crafting a management plan say that number will grow. The question is at what point should wolves in Washington no longer be considered endangered? Six breeding pairs? Fifteen? Thirty?
Jack Field from the Washington Cattlemen's Association argues for six or eight pairs.
Jack Field: "If we could have a management plan that would incorporate fewer breeding pairs, get the wolves de-listed and then if it works out that they're able to manage, numbers can always be increased."
But Jay Kehne (keeney) from Conservation Northwest argues wolves should stay on the state endangered list longer, until there are at least 15 breeding pairs.
After a string of hearings on its draft plan, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will decide on the final details next year.
I'm Doug Nadvornick reporting. © Copyright 2012, KPLU
