The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation strongly supports a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) proposed ruling that provides greater flexibility for states in managing grizzly bears.
USFWS announced the revision to a key rule under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) that enhances applicable state's role, and flexibility, managing recovered but listed species. As such, it marks a critical step toward long-term and balanced management of grizzlies.
"Grizzly populations have grown steadily for decades, exceeding ESA recovery goals, yet state wildlife agencies and affected landowners have been handcuffed with very limited management options," said RMEF President and CEO Kyle Weaver. "We agree with biologists that grizzlies met and exceeded recovery goals years ago and should be delisted. This proposal allows state wildlife agencies and private landowners to effectively manage the impacts of grizzlies as populations continue to swell and expand."
RMEF sees the revised proposal as a meaningful action in grizzly recovery, including in the Greater Yellowstone and the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystems where numbers total more than 2,000. To date, no state that took over management of a recovered species has failed to effectively manage that species, which would have required the federal government to step in again to resume management.
RMEF, the Boone & Crockett Club, Property and Environment Research Center, and Wyoming Wildlife Federation submitted public comment that helped shape the proposed rule.
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation: Now in its fifth decade of Conserving America's Big Game, ™ RMEF will extend its impact on habitat and public land access to 10 million acres by 2030. RMEF conserves and enhances habitat for elk and all big game, opens and improves access for hunting and other outdoor recreation, conducts science-based wildlife research and ensures the future of our hunting heritage through advocacy, outreach and education. Members, volunteers and supporters nationwide help RMEF further its mission. Find out more and join the movement at rmef.org or call 800-CALL-ELK.