Post by: bigtex on March 23, 2018, 08:50:34 PM
By Lynda V. Mapes
Seattle Times environment reporter
SEDRO-WOOLLEY, Skagit County — The interior secretary environmentalists have loved to hate stunned wildlife advocates and conservationists at a morning news conference here Friday, in which Ryan Zinke threw his support behind grizzly bear recovery in the North Cascades ecosystem.
“The grizzly bear is part of the environment, as it once was here. It’s part of a healthy environment,” he said, effectively reigniting an Obama-era grizzly recovery study that was halted early during the Trump administration.
Cattlemen were incensed, stating they have already faced too much carnage from the return of the wolf to Washington. But Zinke — reviled among public-lands advocates and conservationists in Washington for everything from backing oil drilling off the coast to hiking national park fees — said he is convinced that park and wildlife professionals can “get it right,” and deliver an environmental-impact statement and record of decision by the end of the year under which the federal government will return the grizzly bear to its primordial home in the North Cascades.
Zinke said the process would take the concerns of public safety and the worries of cattlemen into account with a decision that would manage the numbers of grizzly bears returning to their mountain redoubt, a sprawling wilderness where the bear is at risk of local extinction
He spoke at the administrative headquarters of North Cascades National Park with a stuffed grizzly behind him. Speaking before a small group of media and wildlife and parks activists, Zinke took only one question before departing.
But in his brief remarks, Zinke left no doubt in his support for what he called “the great bear.”
“I grew up on the flanks of Glacier National Park,” Zinke said. “And I have dealt with grizzly bears all my life … I’m in support of the great bear, and in support of doing this right. This is not reintroduction of a rabbit.”
Doing it wrong can adversely affect visitors hiking the park and other users, “but I am confident we can reintroduce the grizzly bear back to this ecosystem.
“I have always loved grizzlies.”
Cattlemen hit back.
“We are extremely disappointed with the Department of the Interior’s stated support for introducing grizzly bears to the North Cascades of Washington,” Ethan Lane, Executive Director of Federal Lands for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association said in a prepared statement. “For more than a year we have heard the secretary talk about being a better neighbor, but unfortunately actions speak louder than words. Reintroducing as many as 200 man-eating predators into an area already reeling from exploding gray-wolf populations is anything but neighborly.
“This decision won’t just impact ranchers — it’s a blow for the entire North Cascades ecosystem, the safety of locals and visitors, and the local economy, too. In fact, the only beneficiaries of an action like this will be the radical environmental activists that support this type of ill-advised ecosystem tinkering.”
Zinke said there would be a learning curve to accommodate the bear, “as people learn what they are supposed to do and not to do.”
But it is time, Zinke said, for land managers and public-lands advocates to look ahead 100 years, and connect wildlife corridors and landscapes. And yes, bring back the great bear.
“I am confident we have the skill to have grizzlies in the ecosystem in a way that managers don’t have unintended consequences,” he said.
Cattlemen and all concerned with public safety will certainly have their say in the process, Zinke said. “But this is best for the environment, and the local community.”
With that, he walked from the podium, leaving a room full of stunned wildlife advocates, momentarily speechless.
“I am waiting for the other shoe to drop, but there isn’t any,” said Joe Scott, a grizzly bear specialist with the nonprofit Conservation Northwest, which has long supported the bear’s recovery in the North Cascades.
“Let me catch my breath,” said Mitch Friedman, executive director of Conservation Northwest. “Nixon went to China. Zinke is going to bring the grizzly bear back to the North Cascades.
“We are delighted.”
Rob Smith, regional director of the nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association office in Seattle, said it is time now to make sure the decision that emerges from the environmental-impact statement process reflects the wholehearted commitment to restoration of the bear to its home.
“This is a green light, for all the work that has been done so far, and it is what we hoped an interior secretary would say about this program,” Smith said. “It’s a ringing endorsement, but at the end of the year, it all depends on the final decision how successful this will be.
“All the details are yet to work out. But the grizzly bear has always belonged in the North Cascades, and it will be here again.”
During the news conference a small group of protesters demonstrated outside, carrying signs such as one reading “At least the war on the environment is going well!” They all burst into cheers when they heard the news of Zinke’s announcement.
The National Park Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and other cooperating agencies have already developed a draft environmental-impact statement and conducted numerous public meetings on recovery of Ursus arctos horribilis, the grizzly bear, in the North Cascades.
The grizzly recovery study was originally announced during the Obama administration in August 2014 as a three-year process. In mid-2017 Interior officials, without clear explanation, halted progress on the recovery efforts. With his remarks Friday, Zinke has kicked the process back into gear.
Over 126,000 comments and correspondence were received on the alternatives already studied.
The comments will be analyzed and addressed to be included in the final environmental-impact statement, which is tentatively scheduled for release in late summer.
Zinke previously served in the Montana state Senate and as a U.S. representative from Montana. A former Navy SEAL, this was his first official visit to Washington state since his appointment to lead the Interior Department by President Donald Trump.
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/interior-secretary-ryan-zinke-throws-support-behind-grizzly-bear-recovery-in-north-cascades/
Post by: Special T on March 23, 2018, 08:53:30 PM
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Post by: RB on March 23, 2018, 09:10:15 PM
When the first REI granola cruncher gets eaten it will be interesting to see what happens and how many will still think it was a great idea. :twocents:
Post by: wolfbait on March 23, 2018, 09:27:49 PM
Horsepucky!
When the first REI granola cruncher gets eaten it will be interesting to see what happens and how many will still think it was a great idea. :twocents:
Strange thing, many of the geenies that were for the wolves are defiantly not for the grizzly bears. How much land will be locked up for grizzly bear recovery?
Post by: RB on March 23, 2018, 09:33:53 PM
Horsepucky!
When the first REI granola cruncher gets eaten it will be interesting to see what happens and how many will still think it was a great idea. :twocents:
Strange thing, many of the geenies that were for the wolves are defiantly not for the grizzly bears. How much land will be locked up for grizzly bear recovery?
Well with the roads that have been washed out and not repaired it will easier to keep people out. And yes it will be a lot of area that will be harder to get to, or just completely blocked trails and all! :twocents:
Post by: Special T on March 24, 2018, 06:15:27 AM
I noted this also, When I went to the reintroduction meeting at the Skagit county commissioners.Horsepucky!
When the first REI granola cruncher gets eaten it will be interesting to see what happens and how many will still think it was a great idea. :twocents:
Strange thing, many of the geenies that were for the wolves are defiantly not for the grizzly bears. How much land will be locked up for grizzly bear recovery?
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Post by: Cougartail on March 24, 2018, 09:20:57 AM
Horsepucky!
When the first REI granola cruncher gets eaten it will be interesting to see what happens and how many will still think it was a great idea. :twocents:
You must have missed the KING 5 report that interviewed the Seattle City Council member who was mauled by a black bear.. He forgave the bear for disfiguring his face. "It wasn't his fault". I tend to agree with him on that point. He should have been carrying a revolver or spray at a minimum.
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on March 24, 2018, 09:40:23 AM
Post by: Jpmiller on March 24, 2018, 10:18:05 AM
Horsepucky!
When the first REI granola cruncher gets eaten it will be interesting to see what happens and how many will still think it was a great idea. :twocents:
You must have missed the KING 5 report that interviewed the Seattle City Council member who was mauled by a black bear.. He forgave the bear for disfiguring his face. "It wasn't his fault". I tend to agree with him on that point. He should have been carrying a revolver or spray at a minimum.
honestly it's going to be one of us getting mauled by a grizzly. I'm glad the ones already there are around but I don't want anymore.
Post by: jackelope on March 24, 2018, 10:30:00 AM
Post by: wolfbait on March 24, 2018, 11:18:56 AM
There's been a fair amount of support for Zinke on the forum in the past. Curious to see where those who were supporting him are at on this one.
I don't think grizzly's are going to make any difference in WA, the USFWS, WDFW, and the fake environmentalists are ruining the hunting with their fake endangered wolves. Grizz is going to have to be a full time granola cruncher, as the uncontrolled predators, wolves cougars and b. bears eat off any meat they might have feasted on.
The dems are tuning WA into a waste land.
Post by: 3dvapor on March 24, 2018, 11:39:08 AM
Post by: cbond3318 on March 24, 2018, 11:45:55 AM
IMO attacks on humans is not a valid argument.. You are far, far more likely to get mauled by your windshield in an accident on the way to the trailhead.
I am for reintroduction.
Post by: Oh Mah on March 24, 2018, 11:48:17 AM
Post by: jackelope on March 24, 2018, 11:49:16 AM
I just wish there was a group to join similar to NRA that would fight for our hunting and fishing rights in this state. I'm tired of them eroding away piece by piece.
A group in Wa. for Wa. Run by Washington hunting / fishing citizens.
There is.
http://w4wc.org/index.html
@Bushcraft Not sure if you're involved in w4wc. I can't tag Joe for whatever dang reason.
WWC Annual & Quarterly Meeting
The next WWC meeting will begin at 9:30am June 3rd at the Palace Cafe (Canyon Room), 323 N Main St, Ellensburg, WA . WWC meetings are open to all members and their invited guests.
Post by: Oh Mah on March 24, 2018, 11:50:46 AM
Post by: jackelope on March 24, 2018, 11:52:42 AM
Thanks :yeah:,Any back ground on them?What have they done so far?
I sent a link to wa.hunter He is heavily involved in the org. I can't tag him for whatever reason. Might send him a message for more info or review the website.
Post by: Oh Mah on March 24, 2018, 11:57:25 AM
Post by: Special T on March 24, 2018, 12:24:30 PM
I just wish there was a group to join similar to NRA that would fight for our hunting and fishing rights in this state. I'm tired of them eroding away piece by piece.Do belong to any kind of hunting club or Organization? If you do tell them to join the Hunters Heritage Council, or thier sister organization, Washington for Wildlife Conservation.
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Post by: Oh Mah on March 24, 2018, 12:33:46 PM
Post by: Dan-o on March 24, 2018, 12:59:16 PM
There are ALWAYS unintended consequences....
He just won't be the one that has to deal with them.
Post by: Special T on March 24, 2018, 01:00:45 PM
IMO here is the strength of this organization. They are already known by many of the legislators, and have done a lot of work behind the scenes protecting our rights. They know how the system works, who to talk to, and the experience of how to make things happen.
My observed Weakness... Most of these folks are not tech savvy. There are a couple that are and work hard wearing many hats... But the vast majority are Tech illiterate except Email. They also lack promotional reach. While they were at the Sportsman show, most of us recognize that the old way of reaching the public is time consuming and ineffective. Like a lot of organizations they need some one whom can dedication time to promotion.
There is a lot of opportunity for sportsmen, we dont have to reinvent the wheel... We just need to rally more individuals and organizations to sign up. If your looking for an opportunity to to make the greatest bang for your buck volunteering to promote the hunting heritage in general.
Post by: Special T on March 24, 2018, 01:05:25 PM
Ok thank you sir.I want more on this group as i am sure others will as well.I didn't know they were even a group until now,Which is not a good thing neither is it a good thing they have been since 1995 and i didn't know they existed.So main question is with all the damage done to our state hunting and fishing resources what have they done or tried to do?
This organization had a hand in us getting rid of the director. They suffer from not self promoting themselves, part of this stems from the fact that many issues they deal with before it hits the news. You live close enough you should attend a meeting. They seem to have a finger on the pulse of what is going on before the general public ever hears about it.
Post by: Oh Mah on March 24, 2018, 02:15:56 PM
Post by: Special T on March 24, 2018, 11:03:29 PM
If they want members to join and they are not very tech savvy as you put it,These meetings should be open to non members to just go and learn about their group.I want to go but not sure if i should need to pay for a membership to find out if i like what they are doing.I will ponder it for a bit.I wasn't a member when i went to my first meeting.2c
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Post by: olyguy79 on March 26, 2018, 12:51:51 PM
The dems are tuning WA into a waste land.And now the Republican led Zinke Dept. of Interior.....
Post by: Hunter4Life on March 26, 2018, 06:34:40 PM
I just wish there was a group to join similar to NRA that would fight for our hunting and fishing rights in this state. I'm tired of them eroding away piece by piece.A group in Wa. for Wa. Run by Washington hunting / fishing citizens.
There is.
http://w4wc.org/index.html
@Bushcraft Not sure if you're involved in w4wc. I can't tag Joe for whatever dang reason.
WWC Annual & Quarterly Meeting
The next WWC meeting will begin at 9:30am June 3rd at the Palace Cafe (Canyon Room), 323 N Main St, Ellensburg, WA . WWC meetings are open to all members and their invited guests.
The WWC website needs to be corrected, the Annual Meeting was our last meeting, but other than that, everything else is correct. Guests are welcome, so you don't have to pay a thing to attend other than your meal if you choose to eat. The food at the Palace Café is excellent, but it is not cheap. We used to meet at the Bar-14, but the Bar-14 closed down. The Hunters Heritage Council meeting starts approximately 30 minutes after the WWC meeting ends.
Post by: KFhunter on March 26, 2018, 07:01:19 PM
There's been a fair amount of support for Zinke on the forum in the past. Curious to see where those who were supporting him are at on this one.
I'll take the good with the bad and be thankful it isn't worse or just all bad.
Post by: Oh Mah on March 26, 2018, 08:41:30 PM
Ok thanks for clearing this up.Is this meeting date of June 3rd 9:30 AM. still a good future meeting or was this from last year?I just wish there was a group to join similar to NRA that would fight for our hunting and fishing rights in this state. I'm tired of them eroding away piece by piece.A group in Wa. for Wa. Run by Washington hunting / fishing citizens.
There is.
http://w4wc.org/index.html
@Bushcraft Not sure if you're involved in w4wc. I can't tag Joe for whatever dang reason.
WWC Annual & Quarterly Meeting
The next WWC meeting will begin at 9:30am June 3rd at the Palace Cafe (Canyon Room), 323 N Main St, Ellensburg, WA . WWC meetings are open to all members and their invited guests.
The WWC website needs to be corrected, the Annual Meeting was our last meeting, but other than that, everything else is correct. Guests are welcome, so you don't have to pay a thing to attend other than your meal if you choose to eat. The food at the Palace Café is excellent, but it is not cheap. We used to meet at the Bar-14, but the Bar-14 closed down. The Hunters Heritage Council meeting starts approximately 30 minutes after the WWC meeting ends.
Post by: Hunter4Life on March 26, 2018, 09:57:40 PM
June 3, 2018 9:30 AM
Palace Café (Canyon Room)
323 N Main St
Ellensburg, WA 98926
Phone for the Palace: (509) 925-2327
Their menu is below:
http://www.thepalacecafe.net/menu.html (http://www.thepalacecafe.net/menu.html)
The service there is outstanding!
Post by: Oh Mah on March 26, 2018, 10:29:05 PM
Post by: wolfbait on March 27, 2018, 10:22:12 AM
There's been a fair amount of support for Zinke on the forum in the past. Curious to see where those who were supporting him are at on this one.
I'll take the good with the bad and be thankful it isn't worse or just all bad.
:yeah:
I haven't seen where Zinke is for locking up huge tracts of land, which is what the USFWS etc. have planned with grizzly bear recovery.
Was it in the early 1990's that the USFWS and WDFW started releasing G. bears in WA? And how many of those bears stayed in WA?
What are the bears that do stay going to eat?
I wonder if they can have a bear plan that excludes locking land for recovery?
Post by: jackelope on March 27, 2018, 10:30:03 AM
There's been a fair amount of support for Zinke on the forum in the past. Curious to see where those who were supporting him are at on this one.
I'll take the good with the bad and be thankful it isn't worse or just all bad.
:yeah:
I haven't seen where Zinke is for locking up huge tracts of land, which is what the USFWS etc. have planned with grizzly bear recovery.
Was it in the early 1990's that the USFWS and WDFW started releasing G. bears in WA? And how many of those bears stayed in WA?
What are the bears that do stay going to eat?
I wonder if they can have a bear plan that excludes locking land for recovery?
Zinke/The DOI is overseeing the sale of large tracts of public lands all over the west.
Post by: Bob33 on March 27, 2018, 10:37:50 AM
There's been a fair amount of support for Zinke on the forum in the past. Curious to see where those who were supporting him are at on this one.
I'll take the good with the bad and be thankful it isn't worse or just all bad.
:yeah:
I haven't seen where Zinke is for locking up huge tracts of land, which is what the USFWS etc. have planned with grizzly bear recovery.
Was it in the early 1990's that the USFWS and WDFW started releasing G. bears in WA? And how many of those bears stayed in WA?
What are the bears that do stay going to eat?
I wonder if they can have a bear plan that excludes locking land for recovery?
Zinke/The DOI is overseeing the sale of large tracts of public lands all over the west.
https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/secretary-zinke-recommends-keeping-federal-lands-federal-ownership-adding-three-new
Post by: ShedHead20 on March 27, 2018, 10:57:34 AM
Post by: npaull on March 27, 2018, 11:08:34 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on March 27, 2018, 11:32:29 AM
Does anyone know if the re-introduction will be within the boundaries of the North Cascades National Park? Or are they planning on release sites being spread throughout the entire northern range of the Cascades (i.e. Mt. Baker Wilderness or Pasayten Wilderness)?Just North Cascades National park but they wont remain there
Post by: jackelope on March 27, 2018, 11:36:40 AM
There's been a fair amount of support for Zinke on the forum in the past. Curious to see where those who were supporting him are at on this one.
I'll take the good with the bad and be thankful it isn't worse or just all bad.
:yeah:
I haven't seen where Zinke is for locking up huge tracts of land, which is what the USFWS etc. have planned with grizzly bear recovery.
Was it in the early 1990's that the USFWS and WDFW started releasing G. bears in WA? And how many of those bears stayed in WA?
What are the bears that do stay going to eat?
I wonder if they can have a bear plan that excludes locking land for recovery?
Zinke/The DOI is overseeing the sale of large tracts of public lands all over the west.
https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/secretary-zinke-recommends-keeping-federal-lands-federal-ownership-adding-three-new
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/zinke-suddenly-pulls-land-in-home-state-of-montana-from-oil-and-gas-lease-sale/2018/03/05/c5e80664-20c3-11e8-badd-7c9f29a55815_story.html?utm_term=.04f850853dd0
Post by: Special T on March 27, 2018, 11:44:31 AM
Are the Griz going to stay up in the mountains just like they promised the elk would?
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Post by: Skyvalhunter on March 27, 2018, 11:45:04 AM
Post by: Stein on March 27, 2018, 12:26:48 PM
80% of Washington citizens support reintroduction of grizzlies into the north cascades.
Bears and wolves have become and will continue to be an issue for hunters. In my mind, we share ownership of the land with the other 94% of the population and it is something we learn to live with.
Post by: lokidog on March 27, 2018, 12:35:20 PM
It has NEVER made sense to me why there are active reintroduction efforts to places where natural spread is still possible. Just mystifying. Grizzlies can naturally spread from BC down into the north cascades, and in so far as they can make it into habitat that sustains them, fine. But to spend taxpayer money on a perfectly common species that doesn't need our help to exist... just nuts. We should focus our $ and time on improving, reclaiming and protecting habitat, and just let nature take its damn course.
Well said!
Post by: Special T on March 27, 2018, 12:46:35 PM
Wolves and bears are reintroduced because there is an overwhelming desire by the owners of public land to have them on the landscape. We look at this from the view of a hunter, but we are a small minority of public landowners. Hunters represent 6% of the population, thus 94% of the public does not hunt.And yet sportsmen supply 80% of the conservation $... Anyone wonder why sportsmen feel resented?
80% of Washington citizens support reintroduction of grizzlies into the north cascades.
Bears and wolves have become and will continue to be an issue for hunters. In my mind, we share ownership of the land with the other 94% of the population and it is something we learn to live with.
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Post by: bearpaw on March 27, 2018, 01:38:15 PM
There's been a fair amount of support for Zinke on the forum in the past. Curious to see where those who were supporting him are at on this one.
I'll take the good with the bad and be thankful it isn't worse or just all bad.
:yeah:
I haven't seen where Zinke is for locking up huge tracts of land, which is what the USFWS etc. have planned with grizzly bear recovery.
Was it in the early 1990's that the USFWS and WDFW started releasing G. bears in WA? And how many of those bears stayed in WA?
What are the bears that do stay going to eat?
I wonder if they can have a bear plan that excludes locking land for recovery?
Zinke/The DOI is overseeing the sale of large tracts of public lands all over the west.
https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/secretary-zinke-recommends-keeping-federal-lands-federal-ownership-adding-three-new
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/zinke-suddenly-pulls-land-in-home-state-of-montana-from-oil-and-gas-lease-sale/2018/03/05/c5e80664-20c3-11e8-badd-7c9f29a55815_story.html?utm_term=.04f850853dd0
Sounds to me like Zinke is trying to avoid environmentalist challenges and tribal concerns? The environmentalists hate Zinke, they will complain no matter what he does. The article is a hit job on Zinke, it complains that he is avoiding environmental concerns then portrays him in a bad light for further reviewing areas of concern. Typical media bias!
From your link:
Quote
Last week, Zinke postponed the sale of leases covering 4,434 acres near Chaco Culture National Historical Park, a sacred tribal site in northwestern New Mexico.
Quote
“Secretary Zinke is once again treating America’s public lands like contestants on a reality show, handing out roses to the places he chooses to save while casting the rest aside,” said Jesse Prentice-Dunn, advocacy director for the Center for Western Priorities.
A formal protest filed in January by three environmental groups — the Wilderness Society, Montana Wilderness Association and Park County Environmental Council — charged that BLM officials had not done an adequate review of the environmental impact that drilling in Montana would have on the city of Livingston, the Yellowstone River and the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, as well as on sage grouse habitat.
Quote
But Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, who before joining the Trump administration represented Montana in Congress, decided to withdraw 26 parcels from consideration, along with portions of two others. A cadre of local and national environmental groups had filed formal protests against the sale, contending that drilling would adversely impact the Yellowstone River and other areas.
Interior will proceed starting next Monday with the auction of the remaining 83 parcels, which encompass nearly 46,200 acres.
From the link bob33 posted:
Quote
Recommendations Secretary Zinke made in the final report included the following:
Keep federal lands federal - the report does not recommend that a single acre of federal land be removed from the federal estate. If land no longer falls within a monument boundary it will continue to be federal land and will be managed by whichever agency managed the land before designation
Add three new national monuments - Secretary Zinke recommended beginning a process to consider three new national monuments: The Badger II Medicine Area (Montana), Camp Nelson (Kentucky), and the Medgar Evers Home (Mississippi).
Modify the boundaries and management of four monuments - Bears Ears, Grand Staircase, Cascade-Siskiyou, and Gold Butte National Monuments
Expand access for hunting and fishing - Maintain an ongoing review to ensure public access to encourage more hunting and fishing in monuments
So far the net difference in Zinke's actions are millions of acres in Utah removed from monuments which made Utahans happy. His proposals are for about 17,000 acres of new monuments, (a small fraction of what he has opened back up) one monument which is only a home site.
The only issue I currently have with Zinke is him wanting to waste taxpayer money on grizzlies, we don't need to transplant them. I agree with Npaul, grizzlies will and are migrating to Washington on their own. Zinke should listen to local concerns closer on this issue.
The main reason I have opposed grizzlies is due to the enviros using grizzlies as a reason to lock up land and then when grizzlies multiply they don't want to allow hunting to control numbers (Montana, WY, ID are perfect examples). I really don't care if we have a few grizzlies or wolves as long as we can control their numbers when it's time to manage them and as long as these species aren't used as a reason to take away opportunities to recreate or take away access. :twocents:
Post by: bearpaw on March 27, 2018, 01:47:32 PM
Wolves and bears are reintroduced because there is an overwhelming desire by the owners of public land to have them on the landscape. We look at this from the view of a hunter, but we are a small minority of public landowners. Hunters represent 6% of the population, thus 94% of the public does not hunt.
80% of Washington citizens support reintroduction of grizzlies into the north cascades.
Bears and wolves have become and will continue to be an issue for hunters. In my mind, we share ownership of the land with the other 94% of the population and it is something we learn to live with.
80% of Washington citizens support reintroduction of grizzlies into the north cascades.
I haven't followed this issue, if true, if 80% of people in western WA actually want grizzlies then maybe Zinke is doing what is desired by local people? We already have grizzlies here in NE WA, we have had them for quite a few years, I can't see that they are a big deal, as long as the feds don't close more land by using them as an excuse to do that, and as long as they don't overpopulate, there's no doubt in my mind that the enviros will prevent us from ever managing grizzlies in WA.
Post by: KFhunter on March 27, 2018, 02:28:19 PM
They'll follow the wolves as they love stealing their kills, forcing wolves to go back to hunting instead of laying around with fat bellies digesting meat in the sun.
Post by: wolfbait on March 27, 2018, 04:14:07 PM
If the wolves came here all by themselves let the Grizz do likewise.
They'll follow the wolves as they love stealing their kills, forcing wolves to go back to hunting instead of laying around with fat bellies digesting meat in the sun.
"If the wolves came here all by themselves let the Grizz do likewise."
Good point, wolves "migrated' into WA, but Grizz needs to be planted? What happened to Release and Discover?
Post by: Jpmiller on March 28, 2018, 06:46:14 AM
Here's to.hoping that's not what happens.
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 28, 2018, 07:35:30 AM
"Dear Secretary Zinke,
As a resident of WA and a lifelong conservationist, I wish to voice my opposition to the proposals and your support for grizzly recovery in the Northern Cascades of WA state. We currently have a predator problem in the state which is not being addressed by either the USFWS or the WDFW. As you know, wolves were reintroduced into the Greater Yellowstone are in 1996. Since then, these wolves have spread into the Northern Rockies and have proliferated astoundingly, to the detriment of wild ungulates, livestock, and the business and families which are negatively affected by their return. The WDFW doesn't know how to handle the situation but has, at least, recently recognized the need to change our wolf plan to attempt to abate the losses being experienced, especially in the NE corner of the state. Supporting the recovery of another apex predator before our state is able to properly assess what needs to be done with the existing predator spiral would be foolhardy at best and likely disastrous to many other wildlife species. The woodland caribou are already marked for extinction, primarily due to the wolf predations. Please reconsider your support for this plan. Under our current situation, this plan is completely irresponsible. Thank you,
PMan
Vancouver, WA"
Post by: bearpaw on March 28, 2018, 08:02:42 AM
Dear Secretary Zinke,
I'm a lifelong resident of Washington State, a full time hunting guide, and very supportive of a multitude of conservation organizations. I spend a great deal of time in the outdoors and have seen grizzlies in Washington myself. In fact grizzlies are seen fairly often by people in northeast WA.
I've been very supportive of the Trump Administration and of your actions thus far, including reducing the size of the excessively large monuments in Utah. However, I disagree with transplanting grizzlies in Washington when grizzlies are already migrating into Washington on their own and are fully protected by law enabling them to naturally multiply as nature sees fit.
I'm sure there are a multitude of other more deserving activities that need the funding that would be wasted planting bears in a state where they already exist and numbers are increasing naturally every year!
Thank you for your time,