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Comparison and updates of State Management Plans With the delisting process slated to begin in the Spring of 2003, here is the latest news on the state management plans. In order for wolves in the Northern Rocky Mountains to be removed from the federal Endangered Species List, each of the states in that area must have a wolf management plan in place that is acceptable to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. IDAHO MONTANA On March 12, 2003, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks released their DRAFT wolf management plan (EIS) for public comment. After a 60 day period, public comments will be compiled into a final EIS and one of the five alternatives (or a combination of the alternatives) will be chosen to be the basis of the FINAL wolf recovery plan that will be submitted to USFWS. This plan has to be accepted in order for wolves to be de-listed and their management handed over to the individual states. This is an opportunity to speak out and let FWP know how YOU think wolves should be managed in Montana. Last year FWP received over 6,800 comments regarding their Planning Document. Those comments were used in creation of this Draft EIS, so every position is important and will be considered. Please take time to make your voice heard! Visit FWP's website for more information. WYOMING In September 2002, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission voted 3-2 to designate the wolf as a trophy game animal in some wilderness areas (Briger-Teton & Shoshone Wilderness areas)and a predator across the rest of the state. Classification as a predator would remove ALL controls against the killing of wolves once federal protection is removed. Classification as a trophy game animal would protect the wolf against indiscriminate killing only to the extent that hunting regulations would require a license and limit the season in which hunting would be allowed. At the end of September, the US Fish & Wildlife Service rejected this plan and sent Wyoming "back to the drawing board" for a revised plan. The Alliance will keep you posted on when the revised plan is out and will be presented again. The Wyoming scoping report of comments received during summer 2002 for the wolf management plan is on its website.
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