Cheyenne's Howl
Printed in Mountain Messenger on Friday - January 30, 1998
Yellowstone Re-Introduction Continued
Alright Reno, I think I just found out where Spanish Bar is. Is it true that it
is just a hole in the ground somewhere around Idaho Springs? You best remember that
we wolves have extremely long memories. Jo, Jackie, I need your help. Let's meet
privately.
This is a continuation of last weeks chronological history of wolves in Yellowstone.
1973-
The Rocky Mountain gray wolf was listed as endangered.
1975-
The Rocky Mountain wolf recovery team was formed by the Federal government.
1978-
In a report written for the Park Service, biologists
John Weaver concluded that wolves no longer live in Yellowstone National Park and
recommended their reintroduction.
1980-
The first Rocky Mountain wolf
recovery plan was drafted. However, it didn't make any recommendations
about Yellowstone Park. Conservationists urged reintroduction to the
park.
1981-
Agencies, both federal and state
began to revise the wolf recovery plan.
1985-
Sponsored by the Defenders of
Wildlife, the Science Museum of Minnesota's exhibit "Wolves and
Humans", was shown in Yellowstone and in Boise, Idaho. This exhibit was
seen by over 215,000 park visitors. Public support for wolf
reintroduction into Yellowstone was overwhelming. William Mott, Park
Service Director, backed Yellowstone Park wolf reintroduction.
1986-
Well known wolf expert Dave Mech,
advocated Yellowstone Park reintroduction stating that the ecosystem
there is "a place that literally begs to have wolves".
1987-
Legislation requiring immediate
Yellowstone Park wolf reintroduction was introduced by Utah
Representative Wayne Owens, (D). A revised Rocky Mountain recovery plan
calling for wolf reintroduction into the park, was approved by the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service.
1988-
Congressman Owens stated that he is
interested in "trying to restore a balance to Yellowstone National
Park. The wolf is the only missing piece." In addition, Idaho Senator
Jim McClure, (R), backed wolf reintroduction as long as rancher
interests were protected. Congress then directed the Park Service to
study the potential impact that wolf reintroduction would have on
Yellowstone and the surrounding area.
1989-
Legislation was introduced by
Congressman Owens that required the government to prepare an
environmental impact statement, (EIS), on the Yellowstone Park wolf
reintroduction.
1990-
"Wolves for Yellowstone?" studies,
ordered by Congress, were published by the Park Service. Defenders of
Wildlife set up their $100,000 Wolf Compensation Fund which compensates
ranchers for livestock lost to wolf predation. Senator McClure
introduced a wolf reintroduction bill and held a hearing. Interior
Secretary Manuel Lujan appointed a Wolf Management Committee. This
committee was appointed to devise a wolf reintroduction plan.
1991-
The Wolf Management Committee
submitted its recommendations to Congress and Congress in turn chose to
ignore it. Later Congress voted to provide funds for a wolf
environmental impact study, EIS.
I will complete this next week.
Cheyenne
