WDFW Wolf Post Recovery Planning Webinars Start This Week

Starting Tuesday, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will hold a trio of webinars focused on creating a management plan for wolves once they are no longer listed as endangered species with in the state. Stacie Lehman with WDFW says since ranchers are dealing with wolves, and depredations first hand, it’s important that the department hear from you. WDFW had scheduled 14 meeting across the state, but decided to transition on-line, to allow for a more productive discourse.

“We didn’t want to hold a meeting where two sides come and argue, we want everyone to say their piece in a respectful way, and we didn’t feel like the meetings would be conducive for that. And we didn’t want anyone to be uncomfortable either.”

Lehman said they value the perspective of farmers and ranchers, but they are looking for constructive ideas for the future. She says once the wolf is delisted, killing each one and eliminating them from Washington will not work.

"We know that is not an option, so how about we talk about some realistic ideas. What would you like to see? You know, somebody called and said put cowbells on the cows, that’s worked in other places. Or open up a hunting season, things like that. So, we do need some real actual ideas, that’s what we’re looking for.”

The webinars will run: