Wyoming Delisting News
October 30th, 2002

This week, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission voted 4-2 in favor of keeping its earlier resolution that classifies wolves as a predator in all areas of Wyoming outside of national parks and Wilderness areas on the Shoshone and Bridger-Teton National Forests. This is in spite of a recent letter by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that such a designation would be an impediment to delisting the wolf, and in spite of compelling testimony from Idaho and Montana representatives urging Wyoming not to obstruct delisting. The decision followed several hours of testimony dominated by angry ranchers, outfitters and county commissioners who all wanted to delist, control and kill wolves, but also wanted the Commission to retain the predator status that will only serve to prolong federal protections.

What Now?

The Commission directed the Game and Fish staff to delay the release of its draft wolf plan another week and make changes to comply with the Commission's directive. The revised draft plan will be completed and released on Nov. 8. Public hearings on the draft plan will occur across the state Nov. 13-21. The written comment deadline on the draft plan will be in mid-December.

Stay tuned to AWR's webpage for detailed contact info once the plan is released.