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A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

David G. Graves, National Parks Conservation Association, 206.910.1570
Lindsay Bartsh, National Parks Conservation Association, 650.269.2911

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Wolf Plan Sets Target Number of Wolves Too Low

Statement by NPCA Northwest Field Representative David G. Graves

WASHINGTON

"As the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife receives
comments at a public hearing tonight in Seattle on the state's wolf
conservation and management plan, the National Parks Conservation
Association urges the agency to consider aiming for more than 15
breeding pairs, which is currently favored in the plan, in order to
ensure the viability and recovery of this state-endangered species.

"NPCA also recommends that the plan include translocation of wolves
to the Olympic Peninsula, which offers superb habitat and the low
possibility of wolf and human conflict. Scientists believe the return
of the gray wolf to the peninsula will lead to cleaner water and
healthier ungulate populations.

"Restoring critical predator-prey relationships will greatly enhance
the state's ecosystem and increase tourism dollars for local economies.
A study from the University of Montana found that Yellowstone's gateway
communities have received more than $35 million a year from
wolf-related tourism. Similar tourism related businesses might be
possible in Washington State.

"NPCA looks forward to continuing our work with the state on the effort to bring a sustainable wolf population to Washington."

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More information: https://wdfw.wa.gov/do/newreal/release.php?id=oct0609a

NPCA is a non-profit, private organization dedicated to protecting, preserving, and enhancing the U.S. National Park System.