Radicalizing the wolf issue doesn't benefit anyone
The Oregonian
The elimination of wolves from Oregon during the 20th century is one of our state's greatest environmental tragedies. Their return could become one of our greatest success stories. That won't happen if the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the governor's office continue to cave to the same fearful, vocal, special interests that killed them off in the first place.
By ROB KLAVINS and NOAH GREENWALD
Oregon's wolves are a native species with a history of violent persecution. Even as science reveals the surprising, irreplaceable and positive role they play on the landscape, a small but vocal minority of anti-wolf interests continue to spread misinformation and fear.
In 2005, Oregon wisely put together a Wolf Conservation and Management Plan to address the inevitable return of wolves to the state and provide a guide for rationally addressing conflicts between wolves and livestock. Although many conservationists had misgivings about aspects of the plan, we hoped its implementation would be guided by science and prioritize recovery and conflict prevention. Conservationists hoped we could avoid the bitter conflicts that have made headlines in Idaho and Wyoming.
We thought Oregon would be different. We were wrong. Our state is failing its first test.
A small number of wolves have been in Oregon for more than a decade, and we missed a great opportunity. But there is a steep learning curve for those raising livestock in wolf country. Before 1946 wolves were simply shot. For the next 50 years, carcass piles and taking measures to prevent losses weren't necessary. Anti-predator sentiment and a resistance to change still remain for some people. We knew conflict could come at some point and would be magnified by those looking to again eliminate wolves.
http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2010/07/radicalizing_the_wolf_issue_do.html
Oregon's wolves are a native species with a history of violent persecution. Even as science reveals the surprising, irreplaceable and positive role they play on the landscape, a small but vocal minority of anti-wolf interests continue to spread misinformation and fear.
In 2005, Oregon wisely put together a Wolf Conservation and Management Plan to address the inevitable return of wolves to the state and provide a guide for rationally addressing conflicts between wolves and livestock. Although many conservationists had misgivings about aspects of the plan, we hoped its implementation would be guided by science and prioritize recovery and conflict prevention. Conservationists hoped we could avoid the bitter conflicts that have made headlines in Idaho and Wyoming.
We thought Oregon would be different. We were wrong. Our state is failing its first test.
A small number of wolves have been in Oregon for more than a decade, and we missed a great opportunity. But there is a steep learning curve for those raising livestock in wolf country. Before 1946 wolves were simply shot. For the next 50 years, carcass piles and taking measures to prevent losses weren't necessary. Anti-predator sentiment and a resistance to change still remain for some people. We knew conflict could come at some point and would be magnified by those looking to again eliminate wolves.
http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2010/07/radicalizing_the_wolf_issue_do.html
