Commissioner Foss takes up wolf issue By WHITNEY BERMES - Ravalli Republic Monday, September 12, 2011
In an ongoing effort to have a say in wolf management in Ravalli County, one commissioner let Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks know where she stands.
Commissioner Suzy Foss recently wrote a letter to FWP director Joe Maurier, the five-member FWP Commission and Gov. Brian Schweitzer, telling the impacts wolves are having on Bitterroot Valley residents.
"Ravalli County is under great duress due to the overpopulation of gray wolves within our borders," Foss wrote. "Our citizens, and in turn our county government, are suffering direct negative impacts to our general welfare and most especially the safety of our citizens and our local economic vitality."
The commissioner went on to list examples: declining revenue for the hunting industry, cattle ranches "going under," farm production down due to elk feeding on hay and grain, and families no longer allowing children to play outside unattended.
The commissioners would welcome the FWP's input, advice and comments, Foss wrote.
"We need your department's assistance in educating the ‘wolf-loving' population about the reality of gray wolves as predators, their needs and behaviors in relationship both with humans and other predators," she wrote. "Our citizens did not sign up for wolf introduction into the Bitterroot Valley and we need a lot more management than the token number we can legally take this hunting season."
Continued:
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Comment to above story
Patrick Jensen said on: September 13, 2011
I say BRAVO to Suzy Foss and the rest of the Ravalli County commissioners! It is not new news that wolves are a problem in the Bitterroot Valley. Fish Wildlife and parks biologist Liz Bradley admits to 84 known wolves but realistically about 100 in 14 different packs. Ravalli County alone could satisfy the requirements to delist wolves from the Endangered Species Act! For the rest of you knotheads commenting below, please get it through your thick skulls that you do not represent the majority of the residents in Ravalli County. Let's look at the facts. The last county commissioner meeting was comprised up of about 25 residents opposing wolves and 2....count em 2 from the pro wolf side. Oh don't take my word for it. You can get that information straight from the horse's mouth because I have video of the meetings. I also have video of the Stevensville meeting back in March and let me tell you the residents there are VERY anti wolf. We have seen enough of this wolf introduction debacle to last a lifetime and we will regain our rights as residents to protect our livelihood, livestock, heritage and local economy. If you think having the commissioners looking for a solution is bad, just wait until you see what is coming down the pipe on health issues associated with wolves. Trust me you ain't seen nothing yet. Oh let's get back to the videos. I'll include links to them below...
Liz Bradley admits to realistically 100 wolves in Ravalli county at the 2nd commissioners meeting
MT wolf biologist Liz Bradley, Ravalli county comissioners 2nd meeting Region 2 FWP director shows that the numbers just don't add up at the 2nd commissioners meeting
MT wolf biologist Liz Bradley, Ravalli county comissioners 2nd meeting What about the first commissioners meeting?
Residents are fed up with wolves! Don't believe me well here's the video proof
Ravalli county comissioner meeting part #3 Ravalli county comissioner meeting part #4 Let's not forget what Ravalli county residents had to say in Stevensville!
Stevensvill Montana Ranching & Agenda 21-How wolves are used as a tool
