HB2214 - SB6136 wolf bills ( Capital Press)

[denali]

Posted: Friday, January 13, 2012 3:32

Legislation would regionalize wolf plan

By STEVE BROWN

Capital Press

OLYMPIA -- Whether wolves should be protected on a statewide basis only or by region was debated during a legislative hearing this week.

The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee heard testimony on House Bill 2214, which would affect the state's recently adopted Wolf Conservation and Management Plan. The bill would authorize the state Fish and Wildlife Commission to consider petitions to change the classification of an endangered or threatened species on a regional basis. It currently must be addressed on a statewide basis.

The authority would apply only if the species in question is a "mammalian apex predator" such as a wolf.

The legislation has bipartisan sponsorship, and a companion bill, SB6136, has been introduced in the Senate.

The state has five confirmed wolf packs, plus reported activity in three other areas.

The wolf management plan sets a goal of 15 breeding pair statewide and allows for downlisting of the predator as certain population goals are reached in all three specific recovery areas. After it is delisted, it is anticipated the wolf will be recommended as a game species.

Rep. David Taylor, R-Moxee, said he helped write the bill to allow for a faster response to a growing wolf population, especially in areas where communities depend on hunting. The wolves' impact on ungulates such as deer and elk would severely impact those communities' economies.

Jack Field, executive vice president of the Washington Cattlemen's Association, said the existing plan entails a long lag time before the animal can be delisted in areas where it has the most impact on wildlife and livestock.

"This is not a sustainable, holistic plan," he said.

After Linda Saunders of Wolf Haven International urged legislators to "give the plan a chance to work," Rep. Joel Kretz, R-Wauconda, told her he has three packs in his district.

"We could end up with 10 or 12 packs," he said, "and it still depends on the rest of the state" before the animals can be delisted.

Heather Hansen, speaking for the Cattle Producers of Washington, said livestock in Stevens County is already being stressed by wolves' presence and that stress affects farmers' income.

"It's not fair for Eastern Washington to bear this burden," she said.


http://www.capitalpress.com/content/SB-Legis-wolf-plan-012012-art?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=facebook

[sebek556]

  I really hope this passes!

[KillBilly]

If you want to send the Committee members an e-mail and show your support, you can copy and paste the below listed names into your e-mail program.

Energy, Natural Resources & Marine Waters Committee Members:
kevin.ranker@leg.wa.gov; debbie.regala@leg.wa.gov; jerome.delvin@leg.wa.gov; bob.morton@leg.wa.gov; karen.fraser@leg.wa.gov; jim.hargrove@leg.wa.gov; edward.murray@leg.wa.gov; dan.swecker@leg.wa.gov

Sample E-mail

Dear Senators of the  Energy, Natural Resources & Marine Waters Committee

I am in support of SB 6136, Companion Bill to HB 2214. I support this Companion bill and agree that the Fish and Wildlife Commission and WDFW  should be required  to consider petitions to change the classification of an endangered or threatened species i.e. "mammalian apex predator" on a regional basis rather than on a Statewide basis.
The current Wolf Conservation and Management plan negatively affect individuals, communities, and entire industries, as well as putting a fragile economy at risk.

Thank you for your consideration of my views and beliefs.

Most Sincerely.

(Your Name
Your Address
Your Phone #)


I must ask you to be prepared for questions by committee members. There is a multitude of information right at your finger tips on the The Wolf Topics board. Please know and understand why you are sending these messages.

[fishinmike]

Well said Al, knowledge is key

[firefighter4607]

Plan on shooting a letter off this weekend thanks for all the work you are doing Al!

Update: Sent my off and so far have gotten a auto response back from 3 of them saying thanks for the email and they will read them later since they have been flooded with mail lately.

[huntrights]

I have written the three representatives in my district asking for their support of HB2214 and SB6136.  It only takes a few minutes.  If you go to your state Senator's web site first, they may have the option to copy your other Representatives; this way you only need to copy and paste your message once.

To find your legislators select this link:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/default.aspx

[KillBilly]

I have written the three representatives in my district asking for their support of HB2214 and SB6136.  It only takes a few minutes.  If you go to your state Senator's web site first, they may have the option to copy your other Representatives; this way you only need to copy and paste your message once.

To find your legislators select this link:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/default.aspx

You need to make sure you e-mail the Committee as well, the three you e-mailed may not be on the Committee.
And I am assuming you meant your 2 Reps. and 1 Sen.

[huntrights]

You need to make sure you e-mail the Committee as well, the three you e-mailed amy not be on the Committee.
And I am assuming you meant your 2 Reps. and 1 Sen.

Yes, 2 Reps. & 1 Sen.  I will also write the committee.

[KillBilly]

 

[firefighter4607]

 

[KillBilly]

BTT

[Wenatcheejay]

 

Letters were sent. I believe the NE should have the ability to manage conflicts while the State works out the rest of its program.

For the record I believe the whole program will in the end be a disaster. Working with in the frame of the program does not condone it.

[buckfvr]

sent several............have been for months........

[Rhinoron247]

Sent all.

[et1702]

Already sent mine, plus several previously.

ET