WGFD SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENTS ON REVISED WOLF MANAGEMENT PLAN

[Big Horn Posse]

WYOMING GAME AND FISH COMMISSION SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENTS ON REVISED WOLF MANAGEMENT PLAN; PUBLIC MEETINGS SCHEDULED

8/8/2011

CHEYENNE - The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission is seeking public comments on its revised Gray Wolf Management Plan. The comment period will be open from Aug. 8 through Sept. 9. The revised plan is available for public review on the WGFD website. The department will also host eight public meetings around the state to present the revised plan and to collect public comments.

Changes to the plan reflect a recent agreement between Wyoming Governor Matt Mead and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. After the public comment period, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission will consider the plan at a special commission meeting, Sept. 14 at 11 a.m. at the Parkway Plaza Hotel in Casper.

"This is just one step in a series of events that must happen in order to get wolves delisted in Wyoming," said WGFD Chief Game Warden Brian Nesvik. "This accelerated timeline for soliciting public comments reflects the state's and the governor['s interest in moving this process forward in the most efficient and expedient manner possible. If the commission approves the revised plan in September, it will be submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for their approval. After that, the Wyoming Legislature would need to consider changes to state statutes regarding wolf management. And finally, the commission will need to revise its regulations related to wolves."

On Aug. 3, Governor Mead announced the state of Wyoming and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had finalized the elements of a proposed plan that will ensure a stable population of wolves in Wyoming. Under the proposed plan, Wyoming will maintain at least 100 wolves and 10 breeding pairs outside of Yellowstone National Park. The Trophy Game Management Area for wolves would extend about 50 miles to the south from its current location near the Wyoming-Idaho border. The expansion area would be managed as a Trophy Game Management Area from Oct. 15 through the end of February. For all other months wolves would be managed as predators in the expansion area.

Members of the public who wish to provide comments on the revised Gray Wolf Management Plan must do so in writing. Written comments can be submitted before 5 p.m. on Sept. 9 at any of the public meetings, at any WGFD regional office, or by mail or fax to:



Wolf Plan Comments

Wyoming Game and Fish Department

5400 Bishop Blvd.

Cheyenne, WY 82006

Fax: (307) 777-4650



Revised Gray Wolf Management Plan Public Meetings:



Aug. 23 Casper Casper WGFD Office 7-9 p.m.

Aug. 23 Pinedale Sublette County Library 7-9 p.m.

Aug. 24 Jackson Center for the Arts 7-9 p.m.

Aug. 24 Sheridan Sheridan College 7-9 p.m.

Aug. 25 Cody Holiday Inn 7-9 p.m.

Aug. 25 Rock Springs Western Wyoming 7-9 p.m.

Community College

Aug. 29 Cheyenne WYDOT Auditorium 7-9 p.m.

Aug. 31 Lander Lander WGFD Office 7-9 p.m.



(Contact: Eric Keszler (307) 777-4594)
-WGFD-

I hope everyone will attend a meeting in their area and voice your opinions.