WDFW, Wolves and The Public

Recently WDFW issued a kill order for wolves in the Togo Pack. This was met with a temporary restraining order being granted to environmental groups based on a challenge to the legality of the protocol used to lethally remove wolves.

Also plaguing wolf recovery, livestock grazing on indefensible terrain in our national forests. Cows dispersed across tens of thousands of acres of rugged forested mountains are not defendable.

Aside from wolves, cougar, bear and other predators play a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and watersheds. Wolves are associated with healthy stream and lakeside areas. In Yellowstone N.P., wolves keep elk and other ungulates from overgrazing riparian wetlands and that in turn supports beaver habitat that in turn supports fisheries, amphibians and clean water and flood control.

Cattle deplete food for deer, elk and moose, lowering the health and carrying capacity of our public lands. Wolves are biologically predisposed to feed on native ungulates, not cattle. WDFW’s authorization to kill one or more members of the Togo Pack violates Washington law. It is incumbent upon citizens to hold governmental agencies accountable and to be involved in how their government spends its tax dollars.

Ronald Reed

Spokane