For the first time since 1924, a pack of grey wolves has taken up residence in Siskiyou County.  Nicknamed the Shasta pack, California’s newest residents serve as evidence of a revival period for the animal; wolves were reintroduced into the wild just 21 years ago in the Rocky Mountains.  The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has already started the process of developing a management plan for the wolves, but also acknowledged nothing has been finalized just yet.  

The news of the grey wolves’ return to California coincided this week with news from the Western Governors Association (WGA) regarding the organization’s plans to examine and report on the practical impacts of the modern Endangered Species Act (ESA).  Governor Matt Mead (R-WY), chair of the WGA, discussed plans to examine “the good, the bad, and the ugly” of the ESA.  In his announcement, Gov. Mead emphasized the need for the exercise to remain bipartisan in nature, and acknowledged he cannot ultimately foresee what the organizations recommendations will be.  The WGA plans to host the first forum on ESA reform in early November.