Panel Discussions On Wolves A True Reflection

I was just reading an article in the KPVI.com website in regards to a panel discussion that was held at the Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho on wolves. We know debates about wolves become emotional and passionate and as you have come to expect, I’ll add flame to that fire this morning.

Those in attendance?

Western Watersheds Project, the Defenders of Wildlife and the Wolf Recovery Foundation. Also a wildlife manager from Idaho Fish and Game, a Fish and Wildlife leader from Wyoming and a past president of the Idaho Cattle Association.

KPVI.com chose to select comments made by three different representatives on the panel. First up, Mike Jimenez:

Mike Jimenez, Wyoming U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: “If you’re a hunter, an outfitter, it’s like ‘Hey, we’d like to hunt those things. These guys are kinda competing with us now. If you’re someone who really likes wolves, they think this is really cool and if you’re a scientist you’re looking at prey selection but there’s this perspective and perspective grows.”

Second up, a “wolf advocate”:

“There’s no recognition for the tropic cascade of affect wolves have on the ecosystem, the beneficial affect they have on all wildlife. There’s no way for that to be realized under state management.”

And third, Jennifer Ellis, Idaho Cattle Association:

“I don’t think that’s fair to anybody to not know at what point they can protect their own property, even if it’s their own private property.”

Obviously, this is not a complete representation of comments made but I’ll bet it’s pretty darn close. First let’s take a look at what Jennifer Ellis, a representative of the Idaho Cattle Association, said. Nothing said putting down those who want to protect the wolf. Her only comment concerned EVERYONE’s loss of right to protect their property. Very reasonable concern.

Mike Jimenez attempted to be diplomatic in explaining that each and every person has a unique perspective on wolves. He didn’t condemn anyone’s notions. He simply tried to explain that this is what is being dealt with in finding a solution.

But the wolf advocate appears to be negative, dishonest and lacking in the willingness to acknowledge that biologists have ability to manage wildlife. “No recognition” on all the good things wolves do to our ecosystem.

“There’s no way”, says the wolf advocate, and also finds the need to put down the State of Idaho to say that there’s nobody in Idaho capable of properly managing wolves.

And this makes it difficult to move forward.

Tom Remington