Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Idaho pols want wolves back under control

Letter sent to Obama


By JASON KAUFFMAN
Express Staff Writer

Idaho's four-member congressional delegation isn't waiting for the Obama administration. They hope the new President will remove northern Rockies wolves from the federal Endangered Species Act right away.

Joined by Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter, the congressmen sent a letter to President Barack Obama on Monday, asking him to allow the delisting of wolves from the ESA to proceed as planned by the previous Bush administration. They also asked that Idaho's state wolf management plan be given a chance.

Wolves actually were delisted a year ago under the Bush Administration. But a federal judge ordered wolves back onto the list in July. Then, just days before Obama took office last month, the outgoing Bush Administration announced plans to delist the animals once more.

This week's letter was co-signed by Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, and Rep. Walt Minnick, D-Idaho.

"Idaho has a long and successful history of managing big game and other species," the letter states. "We are prepared to manage wolves in a sustainable manner within our borders."

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Meanwhile, a largely symbolic bill in the Idaho Legislature, that would require the state Department of Fish and Game to contact other states about taking Idaho wolves, was approved by a state Senate committee. Sponsored by northern Idaho Sen. Gary Schroeder, R-Moscow, the legislation now heads to the full Senate.

Jason Kauffman: jkauffman@mtexpress.com




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