Newhouse Encouraging NCW Farmers To Share Thoughts On Grizzly Reintroduction

Earlier this year, the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a 90-day comment period on the proposed reintroduction of grizzly bears in North Central Washington.  That comment period comes to a close Friday October 24^th, but before that window closes, a public meeting will take place where livestock producers and others in the Ag community can learn details of the plan, and have their thoughts known.

The meeting will take place Monday at the Okanogan County Fairgrounds Argiplex in Okanogan.  Doors will open at 5 p.m.

Newhouse said in a statement in September, “I oppose this proposal because I believe introducing an apex predator to the area will threaten the families, wildlife, and livestock of North Central Washington. However, I have long advocated that local voices must heard loud and clear before any Administration moves forward with this plan. Thank you, Secretary Bernhardt, for listening to my demands for an in-person public comment opportunity. I strongly encourage the people of Central Washington to attend this meeting in Okanogan in order to voice your opinion and put this proposal to rest, once and for all.”

Newhouse continued while he opposes the plan, he’s pleased the voices of local people impacted will be heard.

“You know, I’m happy the Administration has listened and is coming to hear the opinions and feelings of people in the region that will be most affected before they make that kind of a decision.”

Biologists estimate that fewer than ten grizzly bears remain in the North Cascades, the most at-risk bear population in North America.  The last verified grizzly sighting in Washington’s Cascades was in 1996, with more recent sightings in the British Columbia portion of the ecosystem.

The draft EIS is currently open for comment through October 24, 2019. The public is invited to view the Draft EIS and make comments online Here.

Written comments will be accepted in person at the meeting or by mail to: Superintendent’s Office, North Cascades National Park Service Complex, 810 State Route 20, Sedro Woolley, WA 98284. Comments will not be accepted by fax, email, or any other way than those specified above.

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