RMEF Clarifies Role In California Wolf Plan
Been out of the office for the Christmas holiday so I’m just getting to this release now from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. California’s new wolf depredation plan was released by the CDFW on Dec. 18 after a pack was spied in Siskiyou County last summer. But the report’s connection to the RMEF has been disputed by the Montana-based organization, which released the following to clarify any potential misinformation:
MISSOULA, Mont.—The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation wishes to offer clarity regarding reports about California’s new wolf plan. Various media outlets reported that RMEF was part of a collaborative effort with other organizations, including environmental groups, to develop the plan. Such verbiage is misleading and seems to indicate RMEF’s support, approval and advocacy of the plan.
“Plain and simple we asked for a seat at the table to speak out on behalf of elk as well as sportsmen and women,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “We are extremely concerned about a wolf policy that will cause the same issues that we have seen in the Northern Yellowstone Elk Herd where wolf reintroduction had a drastic effect on elk herds. We question several elements of the plan itself and are also very concerned about recent comments by some groups that want less hunting so wolves can prey on more elk.”
Excise taxes on firearms, bows and arrows along with dollars spent on hunting licenses and fees fund conservation efforts in California and across the country. Removing hunting opportunity would remove funding that benefits all wild species.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) plans on holding informational public workshops in Yreka, Sacramento and Long Beach about its wolf plan beginning in early 2016.
“We strongly encourage sportsmen and women to let their voices be heard. It is vital that we speak up for the sake of our California elk herds so they can have a sustainable future,” added Allen.
Public comments may be submitted here, via e-mail at wolfplan@wildlife.ca.gov or regular mail at: Wolf Plan Comments, P.O. Box 26750, San Francisco, CA 94126.
The public meetings announcement came shortly before California’s first confirmed gray wolf predation of livestock that occurred last month in Siskiyou County where ranch employees saw five wolves feeding on a dead calf.
