I am writing to update you on two items:
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On May 30th, Department staff investigated and documented a confirmed wolf depredation of a 8-9 month old Holstein heifer on private property in southern Stevens County. The wolf pack associated with the depredation has not been determined. I will keep you posted on any new information.
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I want to share with you the revised WDFW protocol for lethal removal of wolves to stop wolf depredations on livestock. I also want to take a moment to share with you the process that led to this protocol.
The department’s past protocol for lethal removal of wolves was not well-understood or supported by the public, and even generated differences of opinion within WDFW. Lacking support for such an important aspect of wolf management and recognizing the long-term polarization of public values on wolves, the Department sought external expertise in addressing social conflict.
Last May, the Department doubled the membership of the Wolf Advisory Group and began a process to bring the WAG stakeholders and Department staff together to re-engage on key issues and to reach a sufficient consensus on recommendations to the Department on wolf management policies.
One year ago, the expanded WAG had its first meeting with Francine Madden, a consultant with Human Wildlife Conflict Collaboration, who was retained to help reduce the conflict that had surrounded wolf management in Washington state. Since then, the WAG members and a diversity of Department staff, from field biologists to managers, met six times, and along the way reconciled relationships, learned about each other’s values and needs, and worked hard toward positive outcomes.
The attached protocol reflects a wide range of values and extensive participation from livestock producers, environmental groups, and hunting advocates. It also reflects the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s commitment to do everything we can to understand and respond to public values and community concerns regarding wolf recovery.
This protocol wasn’t created in two days. It required a year-long process that emphasized positive stakeholder relationships, a respectful approach to resolving differences, and a willingness to tackle serious, challenging issues. Through that process, the WAG members and Department staff unanimously agreed to the attached protocol. The Department has accepted this approach and will operate under the protocol for the remainder of this year’s grazing season.
As always, please feel free to contact me anytime if you have any questions or concerns.
– Donny Martorello, WDFW Wolf Policy Lead