Se Colorado News

House Representatives Lauren Boebert, Jeff Crank, Gabe Evans, and Jeff Hurd have issued a joint statement in response to reports of Canadian gray wolves being imported into Colorado by Colorado Parks & Wildlife. The representatives expressed concern over the process, citing neglect of local agricultural interests.

The statement criticized the state's decision to import wolves despite opposition and legal uncertainties. It also called for answers from the Department of Interior regarding the Bureau of Land Management's lack of updates to Resource Management Plans. These plans are necessary to address how wolf importation affects agricultural producers, Indian tribes, sportsmen, and oil and gas producers.

The representatives support legislation like H.R. 130 to remove the gray wolf from the Endangered Species Act. They urged action from the incoming Trump Administration to halt further wolf importation.

They highlighted that Colorado's agricultural sector has incurred losses amounting to $580,000 due to existing wolves in one year. The representatives emphasized collaboration with farmers and ranchers rather than introducing more predators into the state.

Congresswoman Boebert has reintroduced her Trust the Science Act as H.R. 130, which aims to delist the gray wolf from federal protection. This would allow states like Colorado greater control over wolf management.

The need for updated Resource Management Plans underlines federal agencies' responsibilities under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. These updates are crucial for managing conflicts between wolves and land users.

Concerns were raised about Colorado's choice to source wolves from Canada instead of within the U.S., alongside issues related to program costs and livestock attacks.

For more details on Congresswoman Boebert's stance, her letter to the Department of Interior is available online.