February 17, 2011
RMEF Applauds Gov. Schweitzer for Wolf Directives
MISSOULA, Mont.—The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation today expressed gratitude for Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer’s strong stance and directives for controlling the state’s escalating wolf situation.
In a letter to the U.S. Department of Interior, Schweitzer declared that Montana would no longer investigate, cite or prosecute anyone who kills a wolf to protect livestock. Officials will destroy entire packs in depredation areas. Additionally, packs will be removed in areas where big game herds are being decimated.
“We applaud Gov. Schweitzer for taking charge of a bad situation that’s been festering for way too long,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.
A combination of outdated federal laws and legal-system abuses by litigious animal rights and environmental groups have kept wolves federally protected long after their populations surpassed recovery goals. Citizens are increasingly frustrated with continuing unmitigated impacts on livestock and big-game herds.
RMEF supports states’ rights to enforce their own policies for managing non-endangered species.