Wolf Delisting Meeting Scheduled

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will host a public information meeting about its recent proposal to remove Endangered Species Act (ESA) protection for the gray wolf in the western Great Lakes region, including Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. The meeting will take place on June 14 from 6-8 p.m. at Davies Theater in Davies Hall at Itasca Community College, 1851 East Highway 169, Grand Rapids, Minn.

Members of the public will have the opportunity to view a presentation, receive information and ask questions about the proposal.

The proposal, published in the May 5 Federal Register, identifies the Western Great Lakes Distinct Population Segment of wolves, which includes a core area of Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin, as well as parts of adjacent states that are within the range of wolves dispersing from the core recovery area. The proposal would remove ESA protection and return wolf management to appropriate state and tribal authorities.

Following the close of the public comment period on July 5, the service will analyze information received and develop a final rule. The final rule is expected by the end of 2011.

For more information on wolves in the western Great Lakes, visit www.fws.gov/midwest/wolf.

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