01/12/06 Idaho`s new authority over wolves

Idaho has joined Montana in assuming management over gray wolves. Last week US Secretary of Interior Gale Norton signed an agreement with Governor Dirk Kempthorne giving Idaho control over an estimated 600 wolves that now roam the state south of Interstate 90. NORTON "These include implementing control action for problem wolves, relocating wolves to avoid human conflicts, taking wolves for scientific and other purposes and undertaking many other field functions. In addition the Fish and Wildlife Service expects to soon grant Idaho a permit to manage wolves in the Idaho panhandle north of Interstate 90. KEMPTHORNE "With this new authority comes great responsibility, responsibility to people, to wolves, and to the ecosystem both today and tomorrow." The federal government re-introduced about three dozen wolves into central Idaho in 1995 and they multiplied quicker than anyone expected to an estimated 61 packs. Agents from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game are now responsible for the day-to-day management which would include permits to ranchers whose livestock have fallen victim to wolves. Fish and Game Director Steve Huffaker says his department has a wolf management goal. HUFFAKER "Is to balance a healthy viable wolf population and the needs of people and the other resources of the state of Idaho. That's not going to be an easy job and I hope that you'll help the department find that appropriate balance level." US Fish and Wildlife's Regional Director Dave Allen said Idahoans have been very patient over the past decade, trying to live with a species that not everyone wanted. ALLEN "Livestock producers who frankly have taken, have born a large part of the direct impact of this reintroduction and have also been the focus of a lot of intense emotion. However their tolerance to this recovery action has helped tremendously in our success." Kempthorne wants to see the Northern Rockies grey wolf taken off the Endangered Species list before he leaves office one year from now. But Wyoming hasn't come up with a management plan acceptable to the federal government and until that happens, the wolf stays on the endangered list despite the estimated 950 wolves in the three state area. Line on Agriculture Bill Scott