Bill Text: MI HR0087 | 2019-2020 | 100th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to urge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to remove the Michigan gray wolf from the federal endangered and threatened species list.
Spectrum: Strong Partisan Bill (Republican 16-1)
Status: (Passed) 2019-10-02 - Adopted [HR0087 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2019-HR0087-Enrolled.html
house resolution no.87
Reps. Markkanen, Steven Johnson, Green, Eisen, O'Malley, Bellino, LaFave, VanSingel, Paquette, Howell, Wakeman, Marino, Maddock, Meerman, Allor, Chirkun and Rendon offered the following resolution:
Whereas, Gray wolves in Michigan have been protected from harm under the federal Endangered Species Act since 1974 when it was determined that gray wolves needed the special protection provided by the act to aid their recovery; and
Whereas, The recovery plan prepared under the federal Endangered Species Act called for a combined population of 100 wolves in Michigan and Wisconsin for five consecutive years for delisting to occur. For removal from the state endangered species list, a viable population was defined as 200 animals for five consecutive years; and
Whereas, Federal protection of the gray wolf is no longer necessary. Gray wolves have made a remarkable recovery, and the combined Michigan and Wisconsin population has far exceeded 100 wolves, with numbers currently being more than 1,000 wolves. Michigan's population has exceeded 200 animals for more than a decade and has held steady between 600 and 700 wolves for several years now. Michigan's current gray wolf population is at least 662 wolves. Delisting is long overdue, as Michigan’s wolf population has met all federal recovery goals for delisting, even during short times of state management in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, both in terms of number of wolves and the stability of those numbers; and
Whereas, Going forward, Michigan is well prepared to manage gray wolves in the best interest of its residents. Michigan has developed a sound management plan that is reviewed periodically by the Michigan Wolf Management Advisory Council. The plan was developed during roundtable discussions by a wide range of stakeholder interests, including some 20 agencies and organizations that represented the diversity of Michigan interests in wolves. These interests included environmental and ecological interests, hunting and trapping interests, livestock-producer interests, public-safety interests, tourism and resource-development interests, tribes, and wolf protection interests. Using this plan and advice from the advisory council, the Department of Natural Resources can continue to maintain a viable gray wolf population while allowing for more flexibility when conflicts between wolves and other species arise; and
Whereas, The gray wolf is an apex predator with no natural enemies. Without management, its population could reach numbers that will be detrimental to other species. Delisting is necessary so that state management may be initiated; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to remove the gray wolf from the federal endangered and threatened species list in Michigan; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
