Letter to the editor:
Thank
you for your article in Thursday’s paper about cross-fostering wolves. I
have a Masters of Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law School.
Since returning home to Flagstaff, I have followed the recovery of
Mexican gray wolves. It seems that the Arizona Game and Fish Commission
is hyping the risky and complex technique of cross-fostering as a
substitute for, instead of an addition to, simply releasing more wolves,
which is greatly needed.
Countless studies show that
wolves are an important part of their ecosystems. They help everything
from controlling coyote populations and keeping deer and elk herds
healthy to improving the overall health of the Southwest’s rivers and
streams. Just as the return of gray wolves to Yellowstone has helped
restore balance to its lands and waters.
I am appalled to
find that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which has been stalling
on a science-based recovery plan for over 30 years, intends to wait
another two-three years to complete a plan. The agency must move forward
with the release of the draft plan it already has, based on the work of
the science planning subgroup, for public review now. The future of our
ecosystems depend on wolves.
BRITTNEY KAY WALSH
Flagstaff
