Crapo: Wolf Agreement a Positive Step

Washington, D.C.  - Today's partial settlement of a court case over wolf management could benefit Idaho by returning the species to state management, and Idaho Senator Mike Crapo noted that cooperation should trump court action and bring surer solutions to issues raised under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).  Crapo is a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, which holds jurisdiction over the ESA, and has been part of a group in Congress advocating legislative solutions to return wolves to state management control.

"Idahoans have gone beyond what is required to ensure that wolves are removed from federal management," Crapo said.  "Our Governor, Department of Fish and Game, the Congressional Delegation, the Nez Perce Tribe, ranchers, outdoor enthusiasts and others have all worked hard to make this particular recovery program successful.  We have recovered the species.  It is time to get to common ground and avoid further court actions and allow the Endangered Species Act to work as it was intended.

"While I appreciate the Secretary's leadership and the hard work that has been put into this settlement, I remain concerned about doing this administratively.  The only way to solve this problem is through a legislative delisting of the wolf.  I will continue working with my colleagues, the Administration and others in order to make that happen and ensure Idaho is treated fairly," Crapo added.