Mead Signs Wolf Management Agreement

Wyoming’s plan for managing the population of wolves residing within the state is now official – made so by the stroke of Governor Matt Mead’s pen Wednesday afternoon.  Upon signing the measure, Mead acknowledged that it came as the result of a major team effort on the parts of legislators and a variety of interest groups.  Mead told those on hand, “After 18 years of struggle, I think we’re well on our way to giving the state management of wolves.  I think this plan; while all plans, none of them are perfect, a lot of thought and effort went into this.”  Mead says as the state enters the first year of the agreement, the state Game and Fish Commission will set the appropriate number of wolf hunting licenses should be; and that, he says, will be appropriately conservative.  Mead says the burden now is on the federal government.  Wyoming has done its part and now will “hold their feet to the fire” (in his words) to see to it the agreement is carried out.  US Congresswoman Cynthia Lummis responded to the signing saying everyone has given a little on the deal and the remaining question now is (quoting Lummis) “whether the litigation crowd will continue their obstruction.”  The management agreement takes effect immediately.