The Tribune deserves praise for its
reasonable support for the restoration of Mexican gray wolves in the
wild. It also rightfully highlighted the flaws of a misguided letter
from the Four Corners governors, including Gov. Gary Herbert, who have
attempted to interfere with the Fish and Wildlife Service's development
of a plan — required by law — to recover this magnificent species.
El lobo has a tenuous toehold on survival, with
only about 100 wolves in the wild. This is in part because since the
wolf was listed in 1976, Fish and Wildlife has failed to provide a
scientifically based plan to rebuild the population to sustainable
levels. Herbert and the others should let the service do its job without
interference.
If the science indicates that habitat in
Utah is necessary for the species recovery, then, as the Tribune said,
"we should let them in."
The Mexican gray wolf is an important part of
our national wildlife heritage. Its survival is a matter of interest to
all the people of the United States, not just to Herbert and the
narrower interests he serves. Political efforts to influence the
service's decisions and undermine the wolves' survival have no place in
this process.
Heidi McIntosh
Managing attorney, Earthjustice Denver office
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