Gray Wolf May be Delisted

March 17, 2006 -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced on Thursday, March 16, a proposal to remove the gray wolf in the Western Great Lakes region from the federal list of threatened and endangered species.  FWS says it proposes to designate gray wolves in this region as a ?distinct population segment? under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

This proposal will affect wolf populations in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, and in parts of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, North and South Dakota, and Ohio.  A notice is expected to appear in the Federal Register as early as next week and will be subject to a 90-day comment period. 

In addition, FWS is expected to announce a series of public hearings in the Midwest to hear from local citizens, officials and stakeholders on this issue.  They are tentatively scheduled for: Duluth, Minn. on May 8, 2006; Wausau, Wisc. on May 10, 2006; Marquette, Mich. on May 15, 2006; and Grayling, Mich. on May 17, 2006.

Visit www.fws.gov for more information.

Staff Contact: Tate Rosenbusch, tate@sheepusa.org