News Release
Governor Martz Asks US Fish and Wildlife Service to Step up Wolf Management Efforts
4/2/2002
Meta Boyer
406-444-5665
meboyer@state.mt.us
"...Springtime is calving time in Montana, which adds to the level of susceptibility to wolf predation," said Governor Martz. "Livestock producers are working day and night to assure survivability of their animals from normal livestock related problems. Adding the concern of wolf predation to the list of threats against these producers is compounding the stress against an already vulnerable industry."
Governor Martz also outlined concerns about wildlife impacts from wolf populations in the area.
"As you know, wolf reintroduction into Southwestern Montana continues to be a controversial move by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service," said Governor Martz in her letter. "Impacts to wildlife, especially elk calf numbers, are raising questions as to the long-term impacts to hunting and sportsmen related activities."
As a result of these concerns, Governor Martz requested immediate assistance from the US Fish and Wildlife Service to address wolf impacts.
"The fears expressed by livestock owners at that time appear to be approaching validation. I strongly urge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to take immediate action that will reduce wolf impact on livestock populations and address producer concerns," said Governor Martz.
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See attached letter.
April 2, 2002
Ed Bangs
Gray Wolf Recovery Coordinator
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Dear Ed:
As you know, wolf reintroduction into Southwestern Montana continues to be a controversial move by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Impacts to wildlife, especially elk calf numbers, are raising questions as to the long-term impacts to hunting and sportsmen related activities.
Additionally, I am extremely troubled by recent reports of wolf activity surrounding another of Montana's essential economic industries. As you know, agriculture is our state's largest industry. Economic harm to the agriculture community is felt statewide.
While the general public continues to read of wolf predation on livestock, which is fast becoming the norm, the public is not entirely aware of the nearly daily harassment caused by wolves on livestock and livestock producers.
My office is receiving growing numbers of reports from livestock producers, especially in Park County Montana, about the increasingly brazen behavior of wolves in this area. As you know, springtime is calving time in Montana, which adds to the level of susceptibility to wolf predation. Livestock producers are working day and night to assure survivability of their animals from normal livestock related problems. Adding the concern of wolf predation to the list of threats against these producers is compounding the stress against an already vulnerable industry.
Given the large number of reports of wolf activity in populated areas, I am urging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to increase its operations in a manner that may reduce the harassment suffered by these livestock producers.
As you know, livestock producers across the state strongly opposed the reintroduction of wolves to Southwest Montana. The fears expressed by livestock owners at that time appear to be approaching validation. I strongly urge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to take immediate action that will reduce wolf impact on livestock populations and address producer concerns. I would appreciate hearing the additional steps you will be taking to assure the protection of livestock producers in this area.
Thanks for your efforts.
Sincerely,
JUDY MARTZ
Governor
