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Pearce: Wolf Recovery Plan Falls Short

Rep. Steve Pearce (R-NM 2)

Commentary:  Congressman Steve Pearce released the following statement after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) released their final Mexican Wolf Recovery Program’s plan:

“I appreciate the Fish and Wildlife Service’s attempt at greater collaboration with local governments and communities as they finalized this plan, unfortunately the plan itself continues to fall short. It once again places the burden of recovery on the backs of New Mexicans and disregards the serious concerns of ranchers and farmers whose livelihoods are affected by the program. Additionally, the updated recovery plan ignores the fact that the vast majority of traditional habitat lies in Mexico. Any recovery plan must include responsibility and cost on the Mexican government. I am disappointed in Fish and Wildlife Service’s actions, and remain committed to the creation of recovery plan that is both productive for the species and protective of the New Mexican way of life.”

Background

On March 10, 2017, Rep. Pearce sent a letter to Secretary Zinke of the Department of the Interior calling for a 90-day extension to the comment period for the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Mexican Wolf Recovery Program’s Release and Translocation Proposal so they can provide local communities and governments directly affected by the program suitable time to provide their input.

On September 6, 2017, Rep. Pearce sent a letter to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding the Draft Mexican Wolf Recovery Play, First Revision in efforts to update the current plan which was developed in 1982. According to FWS’s 1982 Recovery Plan, the Mexican Wolf’s historic habitat is largely located in Mexico. This plan calls for 320 Mexican Wolves in the U.S. for four consecutive years to down list and eight consecutive years for delisting.