Efforts Continue To Balance Wolves Ranchers Others

As the state of Washington tries to balance the growth of the wolf population with the safety and financial needs of the state’s ranching community, lies the state Wolf Advisory Committee.  Tom Davis with the Washington State Farm Bureau said the Committee had done many good things when it comes to addressing the wolf issue.  First, he said it has brought together a very diverse group of stake holders, allowing conservation groups an opportunity to sit down with ranchers to see how wolves impact their daily operations.  Davis said one downside is that there currently is not representation from NE Washington, where most of the wolf activity takes place.

“When 17 of the 23 packs are located in the Northeast, you would think that we’d have a rancher from that area that’s most affected.  So, I think that’s something that needs to be remedied by the [Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife].”

Davis noted the WDFW has not indicated why NE Washington is not represented.  Davis said the big question that remains is how to balance a stable wolf and cattle population, while also considering the local ungulate numbers.

Some environmental groups claim ranchers and farmers want wolves removed from Washington.  Davis said that’s not true.  He also quickly notes that the attitude of the agriculture community has changed drastically over recent years.

“You know, the initial reaction from some was, well, we’re just going to shoot them if we see them.  I don’t hear that anymore, I think that there is an understanding that wolves are hear to stay and we have to live with them, but in doing so, I need to be able to make a living.”

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