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Gray wolf population management focus of introduced bill
State Rep. Dave Prestin, R — Cedar River, introduced House Resolution 233 on April 24, 2024, to allow Michigan to manage gray wolves.
www.bigrapidsnews.com
Michigan lawmakers urge the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to allow the state to manage gray wolves because, without management, the population could reach numbers detrimental to other species, such as whitetail deer.
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State Rep. Dave Prestin, R — Cedar River, introduced House Resolution 233 Wednesday. It was also sponsored by state Rep. Greg Markkanen, R — Hancock.
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Under current law, the gray wolf population in Michigan is managed federally as the species is part of the federal list of endangered and threatened wildlife. HR 233 calls for delisting the gray wolf to allow the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to manage the species in the “best interest of its residents,” the resolution read. The gray wolf is an apex predator with no natural enemies.
The DNR has developed a “sound management plan that is reviewed periodically by the Michigan Wolf Management Advisory Council,” the resolution continued. “The plan was developed and updated with input by a wide range of stakeholder interests, including some 20 agencies and organizations that represented the diversity of Michigan interests in wolves. Using this plan and advice from the advisory council, the DNR continues to maintain a viable gray wolf population in Michigan, while also allowing for more flexibility when conflicts between gray wolves and other species arise.”
Gray wolves in Michigan were classified as an endangered species by the federal government in the first endangered species list in 1967. Since the first listing, gray wolves have been federally protected under various endangered species acts, including the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
In response to the gray wolf’s endangered status, recovery plans have been developed to ensure the survival of viable gray wolf populations nationwide. The 1978 and 1992 recovery plans for gray wolves in the Great Lakes area called for establishing a second population of gray wolves, in addition to the historically established gray wolf populations in Minnesota and on Isle Royale in Michigan, according to the resolution.
For removal from the federal endangered species list, the recovery plans required a viable population of 100 or 200 gray wolves to be maintained for at least five consecutive years.
“Federal protection of the gray wolf is no longer necessary,” the resolution read. “Gray wolves have made a remarkable recovery, and the Michigan wolf population has far exceeded the recovery plan requirements. As of 2020, there are estimated to be more than 695 gray wolves in the Upper Peninsula, excluding Isle Royale. Michigan’s population has exceeded 200 animals for more than two decades and has remained consistent, between 600 and 700 gray wolves, since 2011.”
More:
Gray wolf found in Michigan's Lower Peninsula
https://www.bigrapidsnews.com/news/article/gray-wolf-killed-in-michigan-lower-peninsula-19383182.php
HR 233 was referred to the House Committee on Government Operations, awaiting consideration.
April 29, 2024
Angela Mulka
DIGITAL REPORTER
Angela Mulka has a bachelor’s degree in journalism, focused on environmental science and health reporting, from Michigan State University. She realizes the importance of representation for all people in storytelling and values the field because of its commitment to uncovering truth. Born and raised in Michigan, Angela hopes to become a voice for the natural world to protect our planet for generations to come. Connect with her on Twitter @angelamulka.
