My comment. Feel free to plagiarize from.
I strongly object a reintroduction of the Grizzly into the North Cascades. I believe the competition they would add to an abundant of other predators for food would come at a great cost to the deer and elk populations. It's not a question as to their impact, rest assured these bears will change the landscape as we currently know it. And this impact will not be favorable.
I think too, that the inevitable deadly run in with people is not worth the cost. The North Cascades are a very well visited area by several people, the vast majority whom have never recreated within proximity of North America's apex predator. This would directly jeopardize the public. (Is the death of one innocent person worth it?)
Speaking of "run ins", I am concerned for Washington's ranching and farming communities. As already played out in Wyoming & Montana, the Grizzly has and will continue to kill livestock, and cause property damage.
-To what cost will this reintroduction be placed upon the citizens of Washington?
-Who will bear the financial burden to bring them here, monitor them, attempt to establish a public relations campaign?
-How will the ranching and farming communities be compensated for their losses for a reintroduced predator affecting their livelihood?
-What anticipated impact on the native ungulate will the reintroduction be? How will this affect hunters?
Don't lie, but please don't tell me that I will be taxed more than I already am in a state which taxes their citizens more than the average.
Furthermore, don't place my feelings as an avid hunter aside. I speak for many, maybe a silent majority in this proposal.
