ACTION Wolf Downlisting

[MeepDog]

WDFW is pushing for wolves to be downlisted from endangered to threatened. There's an open comment period to clarify what we already know: wolves are not in danger of extinction in Washington anymore. The downlisting won't open them to hunting, but it's important to correctly represent the correct level of concern so that we don't end up in a grid lock like the federal ESA list. If you believe wolves shouldn't still be considered endangered status in our WA now is your chance to comment.

https://wdfw.wa.gov/newsroom/news-release/wdfw-opens-public-comment-period-rule-making-proposed-status-change-gray-wolf

[MR5x5]

That would be a step in the right direction. 

[1Guy]

I filled it out, saying the wolves should actually be Delisted but vulnerable is a step in the right direction. I also made the comment that the hunters and ranchers comments are the only ones that should matter on this

[hughjorgan]

Made my comments yesterday. Glad you posted this so more people get involved. I am positive Washington wildlife first has a lawsuit prepared for when WDFW down lists the wolf.

[Tbar]

I filled it out, saying the wolves should actually be Delisted but vulnerable is a step in the right direction. I also made the comment that the hunters comments are the only ones that should matter on this

I cringe when I see comments like this.  Situational awareness tells me that 90% plus do not hunt.  They are however included in a public process and to tell them they do not matter is poor form.  I believe hunters are absolutely invested in conservation of game species. Wolves may never be a game species in this state if the non hunting public feels irrelevant.  In addition hunters do not fully fund wildlife in this state, they don't even fund the majority.
I would rather send a message to support delisting. I would support hunting with a commitment to solving the complexities of conserving apex predators on a settled landscape with all impacted parties. The divide may work in other states but I highly doubt the comment would be a benefit in Washington. 

[hughjorgan]

I filled it out, saying the wolves should actually be Delisted but vulnerable is a step in the right direction. I also made the comment that the hunters comments are the only ones that should matter on this

I cringe when I see comments like this.  Situational awareness tells me that 90% plus do not hunt.  They are however included in a public process and to tell them they do not matter is poor form.  I believe hunters are absolutely invested in conservation of game species. Wolves may never be a game species in this state if the non hunting public feels irrelevant.  In addition hunters do not fully fund wildlife in this state, they don't even fund the majority.
I would rather send a message to support delisting. I would support hunting with a commitment to solving the complexities of conserving apex predators on a settled landscape with all impacted parties. The divide may work in other states but I highly doubt the comment would be a benefit in Washington.

According to this survey:

https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/01594/wdfw01594.pdf

Washington residents would support downlisting and even having a hunting season when wolfs are recovered.

[1Guy]

Who does this effect the most (Hunters and Ranchers) why should the liberal in the city have a say when they don't care about what happens to the rest of the wildlife, they will keep them on the endangered species list just so they hope to go out and see some wolves

[RC]

Comments submitted.  Very easy to do, so no reason not to.

[deer_hnter]

Comment submitted - thanks for the heads up! 

[bearpaw]

WDFW is pushing for wolves to be downlisted from endangered to threatened. There's an open comment period to clarify what we already know: wolves are not in danger of extinction in Washington anymore. The downlisting won't open them to hunting, but it's important to correctly represent the correct level of concern so that we don't end up in a grid lock like the federal ESA list. If you believe wolves shouldn't still be considered endangered status in our WA now is your chance to comment.

https://wdfw.wa.gov/newsroom/news-release/wdfw-opens-public-comment-period-rule-making-proposed-status-change-gray-wolf

That was super easy to comment, thanks!

https://publicinput.com/sepa_graywolf

[boneaddict]

Wow, thank you.   That was easy.  Comment submitted. 

[GOcougsHunter]

Comment submitted. Thank you for the link.  I advised them to listen to their own biologists and that their own professional/career biologists are "the best available science"