This notice of a Michigan DNR meeting on wolves comes at a time when UP friends report that tales of wolves eyeing human children are again beginning to swirl. And wolves are being blamed by some for eating too many deer and depressing hunting.
It's worrisome that these archetypal stories are coming back; 15 years ago, the return of the wolves was made possible by strong public education that laid so many myths to rest.
Wolf Management Will be Focus of Statewide DNR Public Meetings
A series of public meetings will be hosted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to discuss wolf management in the state. The meetings will provide the public with an opportunity to identify important issues and express opinions regarding wolves and wolf management in the state. Public input received at these meetings will help guide revision of the state's wolf management plan.
"Social input is a critical component of our planning process with the DNR," said DNR Director Rebecca Humphries. "We realize the importance of understanding public perceptions and concerns when it comes to managing the wolf population."
Wolves began returning naturally to the Michigan's Upper Peninsula via Wisconsin and Canada in the late 1980s. Today, the minimum estimate of population size is approximately 400 animals. Wolf populations in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota have exceeded federal recovery goals for several years, but the animal remains on the endangered species list, largely due to management issues occurring elsewhere in the country.
Director Humphries is beginning the process of establishing a joint citizen/agency committee, which will be charged with developing "guiding principles" for management of wolves in Michigan. Once assembled, the group will begin work next winter. The issues identified and the attitudes expressed at the public meetings will be considered by this joint committee when developing its recommendations.
Meeting dates, locations and times are listed below:
* Watersmeet: 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, May 2 in Watersmeet Public Schools' all purpose room located at N4720 Highway 45, Watersmeet;
* Houghton: 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, at Michigan Technological University's Forest Center located at the corner of McGinnis Avenue and 7th Street in Houghton;
* Escanaba: 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, in the auditorium of the Learning Resources Center at Bay de Noc Community College, 2001 North Lincoln Road in Escanaba;
* Newberry: 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 12, in the main conference room at the Comfort Inn, located at the junction of M-28 and M-123 in Newberry;
* Sault Ste. Marie: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 13, at the Crow's Nest in the Cisler Conference Center at Lake Superior State University;
* Marquette: 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 14, in the Embers Room of the Northwoods Supper Club, 260 Northwoods Road, Marquette;
* Clare: 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 14, location to be announced;
* Grand Rapids: 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, at Grand Valley State University's downtown campus. Room location to be announced;
* Ann Arbor: 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, location to be announced;
* Gaylord: 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 19, at the Best Western Alpine Lodge, 833 W. Main Street.
Meeting information can also be located on the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr.
Those individuals who cannot attend any of the meetings may still provide comments by sending an email to: wolf_comments@michigan.gov; or mail comments to: DNR Wildlife Division, Attn: Endangered Species Coordinator, PO Box 30444, Lansing, MI 48909. All comments will be given full consideration. The DNR will not provide return responses to submitted comments.
The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural resources for current and future generations.
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Posted by Dave at April 11, 2005 01:25 PM