MEXICAN WOLF RECOVERY - PEARCE AMENDMENTS

THIS WEEK, the House of Representatives will be debating and voting on H.R. 2643, the Fiscal Year 2008 Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill. NCBA and the Public Lands Council (PLC) are supporting two amendments, and we NEED YOUR HELP.

Representative Steve Pearce (R-NM) is prepared to offer two amendments to the FY2008 Interior and Environment Appropriations (H.R. 2643) that would call attention to problems with the Mexican wolf reintroduction program in Arizona and New Mexico.

The first amendment -- Amendment Pearce 48 -- Is an outright limitation on funds for the operation of the Mexican Wolf Recovery Program. The failed Mexican Wolf Recovery program currently has twice the depredation rate of the Grey Wolf Recovery program. In addition, the program has had numerous other livestock and pet kills.

The second amendment -- Amendment Pearce 61 -- Is a limitation on the ability of the FWS to expand the range of the Mexican Wolf Recovery Program or add additional wolves to the wild. The FWS should not be expanding a failed program.

NCBA and PLC support these amendments because the Mexican wolf reintroduction program is not working for ranchers in Arizona and New Mexico. The program places significant burdens on ranchers without offering the management tools and compensation necessary.

We ask that you call or e-mail your Representative IMMEDIATELY to ask for their YES VOTE on the PEARCE MEXICAN WOLF amendments.

Background

In 1998, The US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) reintroduced captive-reared Mexican wolves into the Apache and Gila national forests in eastern Arizona and western New Mexico. A review published by FWS in 2004, estimates that damages suffered by ranchers due to wolf predation of livestock total a possible $206,290. FWS has had difficulty managing the reintroduced Mexican wolf populations over the past nine years and problems with the program continue. In the view of local ranching communities, FWS is not responsive enough to problem wolves, and ranchers are not compensated by any government entity for losses.

Conclusion

Due to the significant management problems in the Mexican wolf program, problem wolves should not be allowed to continue preying on livestock. The FWS should not expand the program to the detriment of ranchers’ and landowners’ animals. As members of the livestock industry, we face enough hurdles to operating successful businesses. The federal government’s re-introduction of predators into the landscape without proper management systems is beyond the scope of what a business man should have to contend with.

It is the policy of NCBA and PLC to respect wildlife recovery goals while maintaining ranchers’ ability to operate economically profitable businesses. The Mexican wolf reintroduction program is not meeting this standard. Management of these predators is not adequate, and ranch families are paying the bill for a national wildlife ideal.

Please call your Representative today and ask him or her to VOTE YES on the Pearce Mexican wolf amendments.