RISCH SAID STATE HAS DEMONSTRATED RESPONSIBLE
ROLE IN SPECIES MANAGEMENT

BOISE – Governor Jim Risch provided input to Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne today during a “listening session” in Boise.  The session was the last in a series of 25 public meetings held by the U.S. Department of the Interior to solicit comments and ideas on the topic of Cooperative Conservation.

Governor Risch spoke to the need for collaboration in resolving specie protection issues.  Citing sage grouse and slickspot peppergrass as two examples where a collaborative conservation plan was developed by the state for each species, Risch said the state has been a responsible partner in protecting species.  “We have demonstrated that we have been proactive in protecting species in lieu of federal protection.  However, our efforts have been frustrated by litigation.  The truth is, litigation is not helpful, but collaboration is,” he said.

Management of wolves in Idaho was another topic discussed by Risch.  He noted that once again Idaho has demonstrated its ability to manage wolves for full recovery, but the Endangered Species Act was a barrier to delisting.

“When a species is fully recovered biologically, it should be delisted.  My hope is that wolves in Idaho are proposed for delisting before the end of the year,” said Risch.

Governor Risch spoke in the opening round of the listening session along with U.S. Senator Larry Craig and U.S. Senator Mike Crapo.

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