GOVERNOR RISCH PUSHES FEDS ON WOLF ISSUE

BOISE – Governor Jim Risch held a conference call with federal officials from the U.S. Department of Interior today to discuss progress on delisting wolves in Idaho. Lynn Scarlett, Deputy Secretary of the Interior and David Verhey, Acting Assistant Secretary of Fish and Wildlife and Parks heard Governor Risch push for action on rules to delist wolves in the state.

“I made it very clear that Idaho is prepared to manage wolves. The state has demonstrated its capability as a responsible manager with other species like bears and mountain lions. Wolves are fully recovered in Idaho and in some areas are at the very least a nuisance to game populations and domestic animals. I urged these agency officials to move forward quickly to resolve the issues that prevent us from managing these animals within our borders,” said Risch.

Scarlett acknowledged that the wolf population is doing very well in Idaho and that the state has done an excellent job in the management of the species when given the opportunity. Verhey confirmed that the federal agency has made the issue a top priority that includes daily briefings as they work on a proactive solution.

“I will continue to push Interior for the delisting of wolves in Idaho,” said Risch. “The federal introduction of wolves into Idaho has greatly exceeded recovery plans and continued delays will only continue the belief that the Endangered Species Act is broken.”

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