On Wednesday, the California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) entertained public comment on whether or not the gray wolf should be listed as a threatened or endangered species under the California Endangered Species Act (ESA). The item was heard in response to a March 2012 petition from the Center for Biological Diversity to list the gray wolf as endangered. The Commission ultimately decided to delay a decision to a future meeting.
In response to the initial petition, the Commission declared the wolf a candidate species for listing in late 2012, which launched a year-long review of the species by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW). The review resulted in the DFW recommending against listing the species as threatened or endangered in February 2014. This result has been supported by several ranching and wild game organizations. After nearly two hours of public comment, the Commission decided to defer a decision for 90-days to collect additional public comment. The Commission will take additional oral comments at its June 04, 2014 meeting and hold a subsequent, special meeting in July to make a final decision.
The gray wolf is currently under consideration for delisting from the federal Endangered Species list due to its repopulation in other states. California has not had a sustained gray wolf population in decades, and there are no plans to reintroduce the species in the near future. The DFW is currently working on the California Wolf Plan for managing the possible wolf repopulation in California, particularly because of its potential effects on ranching and game animals. The DFW plans to complete the plan by the end of 2014.
Written comments can be submitted to the Commission at fgc@fgc.ca.gov. For more information, the Commission’s regulations webpage can be accessed here.
For additional information, please contact RCRC Regulatory Affairs Advocate Staci Heaton at (916) 447-4806 orsheaton@rcrcnet.org.