Return Wolves to Olympic National Park

Posted by: Edward Mainwaring  


Target: Washington State Governor Jay Inslee

Goal: To reintroduce gray wolves to their historic habitat in Olympic National Park

The gray wolf was once an integral part of the ecosystem of Olympic National Park, but tragically the species was exterminated from the park during the 19th century, as it was throughout most of the United States. The successful reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park shows us that wolf reintroduction is overwhelmingly popular to the American people. A native wolf population in Olympic Park would benefit the park’s ecosystem, increase tourism, and boost the local economy.

Olympic Park is an ideal location for wolf reintroduction. If wolves were returned to their home in the Olympic forests, studies suggest that this would improve the health of maples and cottonwoods near streams where overgrazing by elk is common. This would in turn benefit the salmon that spawn in the park’s rivers. Other areas with restored wolf populations have already demonstrated an increase in eco-tourism. Furthermore, the park is surrounded by timberland rather than farmland, so there is a reduced risk of conflicts with the park’s neighbors due to livestock predation.

A poll conducted by Defender’s of Wildlife showed overwhelming support for the reintroduction of wolves in Olympic National Park amongst Olympic Peninsula respondents, as well as respondents throughout Washington. Additionally, a study conducted by biologists concluded that Olympic Park could easily support a native wolf population. With wolves being threatened in states such as Wyoming and Minnesota it is important that we begin to re-establish populations in other wild areas such as Olympic National Park.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Governor Jay Inslee,

Wolves were historically an essential part of the ecosystem of Olympic Park, as they were throughout the state of Washington. Your constituents in Washington strongly support the reintroduction of wolves to the park, as do people nationwide.

Please consider taking action to reintroduce wolves to Olympic Park, where they can thrive as part of a pristine wilderness. This would benefit the ecosystem of the park as well as helping to ensure the health of the nation’s endangered wolf population. It would also be a benefit to the local economy as a result of increased tourism to the area.

Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]


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Photo credit: Gunnar Ries via wikipedia.org