Contributors to this thread:
All -
Just a heads up, and maybe its already be discussed but knowing these groups they won't stop, if you listen to Pandora you will hear (about every 30 minutes) an advertisement for restoring the wolves to CO.
Just a reminder, they won't stop and we have to do everything possible to protect and defend our heritage and what has proven to be the greatest model for conservation in the world!!!
Hope everyone is doing well!
Who sponsored the ad? Did it reference a website?
Pandora, ie, The Wolf Connection, AKA, Wolf Ranch north of LA California. Combines at risk kids and a hybrid wolves compound on the grounds. Uses the wolves to attract donners to sponsor a wolf and then to fund the Ranch. Not sure if this Ranch is directly supporting wild wolf introduction or reintroduction but maybe indirectly.
Paul got to it before I could.
The Rocky Mountain Wolf Project posted the following on their Facebook page yesterday (March 20) morning:
The unmistakable howl of the gray wolf is a hallmark of the West. Yet sadly that note, which rang through our mountains for eons, has disappeared. But now, after successful reintroduction efforts in places like Idaho, Wyoming and Montana, it is Colorado’s turn to restore this voice to the wild.
Today, we’re excited to launch The Rocky Mountain Wolf Project: a nonpartisan project comprised of individuals and organizations who are all dedicated to restoring Colorado’s natural balance by safely returning gray wolves to our public and open lands.
Learn more at www.RockyMountainWolfProject.org
Sounds exactly like the Pandora commercial! This is scary to say the least! We better all be ready for a big battle as I'm sure its coming!
Some of you may or not know the "battle" has been going on here in Colorado for some time and just last year, the Pro wolf organizations massed at the DOW Hdq to encourage the Wildlife Commission to reintroduce the wolf to Colorado. The Commission stuck by their previous policy not to reintroduce wolves into Colorado. Yes, there are a few wolves roaming around Colorado. Over 12 years ago the State formulated a Wolf Committee to examine this wolf issue and that study determined that any wolves that was in Colorado or entered Colorado was protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act. That determination is still in existence today and can only be changed by a Federal Legislative act. The Federal Fish and Wildlife Service does not seem to have Colorado earmarked to develop a wolf plan like they did in Montana. The Governors office seems to be against it and also the Wildlife commission. I am not sure what would change the minds of the Feds, the State, or the Commission to allow the reintroduction of wolves into Colorado but personally I do not see this happening. This "natural balance by returning the gray wolves to Colorado/s public and open lands" seems like a pipe dream and just a scam to get money from the public. While the "majority of Colorado Citizens" (over 50%)seem to want wolves in Colorado when polled, it would be up to the Federal F&WS to make that plan work and not up to the Citizens of Colorado.
THis is my understanding. my best, Paul
I agree Paul. Definitely a long shot considering all that has happened.
Paul, the funniest thing at the CWC hearing was that idiot lady from back East who had recently moved to CO and prattled on and on about why we need to reintroduce wolves because her grandchild has a stuffed wolf toy, and she wants to show him a "real" wolf someday.
Poll questions are highly subjective based upon how they are asked. If you framed it as : "Would you support wolf reintroduction if a pack of wolves killed your dog and threatened your children while hiking in Boulder County Open Space?", it would get a dramatically different response than: "Do you support reintroduction of wolves to restore natural balance to the ecosystem?".
In Crystal Lakes, everyone loved bears until they started breaking into hundreds of cabins and campers. Then it was like, "Hell yes, let's have a special hunting season! Give Lou as many permits as he needs!" Predictably, the only protests to our hunt came from D.C.-based groups like HSUS and Fund For Animals, and a few weenies from suburban Denver and Boulder with no dog in the hunt.
Here's my guess. As Paul stated there are 3 main things that would trigger introducing more wolves in CO. The big one is desire for it at the Federal government level, after that the desire at the State CPW/Commission government level and the desire for it with the citizens.
At the moment the Commission is pretty safe. The citizens are split but if it came down to it, pro wolf would win. I have no idea at the Federal level. I doubt its on the radar now but, but a little political shift and that could easily change.
It really boils down to the USF&W. Wyoming Game and Fish and Wyoming citizens weren't in favor of it and they lost. Colorado would be an easier target. We aren't even a swing state anymore.
Quoting Paul: “any wolves that was in Colorado or entered Colorado was protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act. That determination is still in existence today and can only be changed by a Federal Legislative act.” Obviously opposing wolf expansion would be a much easier task if the present administration were to reclassify wolves and get them off the list. I’m sure you’d agree just because they aren’t everywhere they are not endangered. So to all you movers and shakers, can we advance that thought?
Just heard the ad this morning -- nothing like starting your day with some rage.
So I googled "pandora wolf ad" and this was the first link that came up. Good to know there are some people of like mind out there.