"We frequently hear from people with very strong opinions about wolf management," Hoving said. "This public comment period is an opportunity for those people to go on record with their concerns. The decision to de-list isn't a done deal. The comments submitted during this time matter."
To submit public comment, go online to www.regulations.gov and use docket number FWS-R3-ES-2011-0029. Comments can also be sent through regular mail to Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R3-ES-2011-0029; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MS 2042-PDM; Arlington, VA, 22203.
The deadline to submit comments is Tuesday, July 5.
My comment:
"Decisions on an entire species should not be decided on an all or nothing ruling. I am concerned that rulings are being made to manage the wolf based on a far too general population study that covers too broad an area. Districts or regions should be created and governed depending on their own needs. Wolves in Michigan may or may not be more common than in another area creating more or less of a need to manage the population. Simple geographic divides should be made and each region created should have its own decision on whether the wolf is endangered in that area or not based on surveys and devastation to its environment. Obviously, biologists can determine the impact of such a species in an ecosystem. Making the entire species endangered when it runs ramped in areas occupied by the unsuspecting public is irresponsible. I know we can do better."
I guess if they get taken off the list, the DNR will monitor population numbers for five years to make sure they maintain healthy numbers. The wolf will be a non-game protected species but the state legislature would have control over changing that at any time. Its pretty cool to think I may be able to hunt wolves in Michigan in my lifetime.
