Grizzly Bear Restoration Plan: Open House In Your Area

[wolfbait]

  Grizzly Bear Restoration Plan: Open House In Your Area


As you may be aware, the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) have recently announced the Grizzly Bear Restoration Plan to increase the grizzly population in the North Cascades.  I have serious concerns about this plan, and many residents have reached out to me with shared apprehension over this proposal.

          I wanted to inform you that you have the opportunity to express your views on the grizzly bear restoration plan.  There is currently a 60-day public comment period that will remain open until March 14, 2017. A copy of the draft language, as well as instructions on how you can submit your comments, can be found at parkplanning.nps.gov/grizzlydeis.

          Additionally, the NPS and FWS will be hosting open houses across the state to allow the public to submit their comments and answer any questions about the proposal, and there are open houses in your area.  On February 15, 2017, an open house will be held at the Winthrop Barn, 51 WA-20, Winthrop, WA 98862 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.  On February 16, 2017, an open house will be held at the Okanogan County Fairgrounds Annex Facility, 175 Rodeo Trail, Okanogan, WA 98840 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

          It is important that citizens take advantage of these comment periods to express their views on how federal rulemaking will affect their daily lives.  Many have expressed valid concerns about the reintroduction of grizzly bears in the North Cascades, and I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to have your voice heard.

          I hope you will be in contact as Congress debates the many important matters to our country.  Should you require assistance with a federal agency or if I may be of service, I hope you do not hesitate to call upon me. I also encourage you to connect with me on Facebook and Twitter, by searching Rep. Dan Newhouse. You can also sign up for my e-newsletter, at Newhouse.house.gov, for the latest updates on my work to represent Central Washington's views in our nation's capital.

Sincerely,
 
Dan Newhouse
Member of Congress

[dreamunelk]

No matter were you stand on this issue you need to speak up.  Either in public or in writing!
Your opinion counts more than you think:
If you speak/ write intelligently.
If you are polite.
If you don't fear monger.

Short intelligent comments have a far greater effect than many think.  Those are the ones that stick in peoples minds as they are reading.

I have not reached an opinion yet.  My thoughts are:
I don't have a problem with grizzlies in the ecosystem.
They are moving in naturally.  Why interfere?
Transplanting does not make sense when they can move in naturally and set their own level.
I have not seen the model that justify releasing 200?
Much of the habitat is more suited to black bear and already occupied.
What plan is in place to deal with depredations?  Should be no tolerance!
Who will pay the bill for management?
Relocating bears is not a good idea with out some very clear guidelines.

I can go on an on.  As it now stands I have to say leave things as they are until more and better information is given.

[Skyvalhunter]

First I would say that this decision is not only for the NCP. If they think the bears will only stay in the park they are wrong. Second I would look at what has happened in other states where they are allowed to flourish i.e the Bob Marshall Wilderness in MT. If bear conflicts are ok then proceeded. I am leaning towards the thought that their mind is already made up and will allow the introduction. One saving grace is firearms are allow in the NCP.

[JLS]

No matter were you stand on this issue you need to speak up.  Either in public or in writing!
Your opinion counts more than you think:
If you speak/ write intelligently.
If you are polite.
If you don't fear monger.

Short intelligent comments have a far greater effect than many think.  Those are the ones that stick in peoples minds as they are reading.

I have not reached an opinion yet.  My thoughts are:
I don't have a problem with grizzlies in the ecosystem.
They are moving in naturally.  Why interfere?
Transplanting does not make sense when they can move in naturally and set their own level.
I have not seen the model that justify releasing 200?
Much of the habitat is more suited to black bear and already occupied.
What plan is in place to deal with depredations?  Should be no tolerance!
Who will pay the bill for management?
Relocating bears is not a good idea with out some very clear guidelines.

I can go on an on.  As it now stands I have to say leave things as they are until more and better information is given.

Very good post, and some good questions