Wolf Management Plan - Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Press Release

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nov. 12, 2014

Contacts: Kevin Swanson, 906-226-1357 or 906-458-1889

Comments sought for update of Wolf Management Plan

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is updating the 2008 Michigan Wolf Management Plan and is seeking comment on the implementation of the plan. The plan, and more specifically the four principal goals within the plan, has guided wolf management in Michigan for the last six years.

During this time, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service determined that the wolf population in the western Great Lakes region (including Michigan) had recovered and the species no longer required the protection of the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). After the removal from the ESA, the State of Michigan had full management authority for wolves.

The Wolf Management Plan was created using extensive public input to identify important issues and assess public attitudes towards wolves and their management, as well as a review of the biological and social science on wolves. The four principal goals within the plan are:

• maintain a viable wolf population;
•  facilitate wolf-related benefits;
• minimize wolf-related conflicts;
• and conduct science-based and socially acceptable management of wolves.

These goals will remain the same in the updated plan. The update will include reviewing scientific literature and including of new information, evaluating implementation based on the action items in the plan, updating action items, and addressing outdated information or clarifications that may be needed.

The DNR is seeking comment from those interested in wolf management to aid in the evaluation of plan implementation so far. Review of the plan update will occur in two distinct phases. The first phase will consist of a 30-day period in which interested parties, DNR staff members and Natural Resources Commission members can provide comment on the implementation of actions in the 2008 Plan. The second phase will be a 30-day period to comment on the Draft Updated Plan before it goes to the Natural Resource Commission for endorsement and the DNR director for signature.

The Phase 1 electronic survey is now open (www.surveymonkey.com/s/wolfplanupdate). The survey is structured around 12 strategic goals and corresponding actions within the 2008 plan. Those interested in wolf management are encouraged to provide input. Comments will be accepted from Nov. 12 to Dec. 11. Those unable to participate in this survey electronically are asked to contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 to receive a paper survey.

The DNR hopes to have the wolf plan update completed by spring of 2015.

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The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Taking A Stand

Grey Wolf - Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Having grown up a six hour boat ride from Isle Royale National Park, the grey wolf has always been played a role in my life. As familiar as the bright blue and white “Ranger” that ferried tourists and supplies to and from the island, the annual report on the status of the island’s wolf population was a regular reminder that true wilderness wasn’t far from my reach.

For most of my life the wolf was just another dog, only larger and less domesticated.  I went to Isle Royale, anxious to see the large predator and always returned home disappointed. The few live wolves I have seen were housed in zoos.  It was far more common to see a wolf, long dead, stuffed and on display in some museum or personal collection.

So my interaction with the wolf has been from afar but no less impactful. I have a visceral connection with the wolf; her expressive howl perks up my ears and brings shivers to my body. Her yellow eyes are penetrating, alert and clear, her body muscular and strong.  There are few animals that appear as self-assured as a wolf. The animal knows that it is a top predator and few will challenge her authority.

While I am intrigued by those characteristics, my fascination is not shared by all. Stories of the big bad wolf can be found in many cultures and in the stories of our youth. We humans often fear those creatures that are faster and stronger than we are for they show that despite our advanced intelligence we are physically the weaker species.

In December, I wrote about the lame duck legislation signed by the Michigan’s governor giving the Natural Resources Commission the authority to declare the grey wolf a game species, opening the door to an open hunting season. Wildlife experts in the state estimate that the wolf population is around 687 individuals almost all of them in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

I was upset that the bill was pushed through during the lame duck session, a time when the party in control can push through their agenda with little public input or discussion.  Given the fact that the grey wolf was delisted from the Endangered Species Act just months earlier (February 10, 2012) and the small population of wolves in the state, it didn’t take much imagination to figure out just who was behind this legislation. As wolves are typically not hunted for meat and there are regulations already in place for dealing with nuisance wolves, the only conclusion that I and many others could come to is that Michigan trophy hunters wanted to add the wolf to their collection.  

I am not much of a political activist; I have my opinions but normally don’t feel compelled to advocate publicly. But in this situation, I cannot sit quietly on the sidelines and do nothing. I attended the Keep Michigan Wolves Protected campaign meeting last night here in Traverse City and took home petition forms to gather signatures.  It is my hope that this campaign will bring to the public’s attention the absurdity of this bill and keep Michigan’s small grey wolf population protected.