DWR position on wolves in Utah

Editor's note: House Joint Resolution 12, sponsored by Representative Mike Styler, passed favorably out of committee with a unanimous vote on Feb. 4, 2002. The director of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Kevin Conway, read the following statement to the House committee. The statement represents the Division's position on wolves in Utah.

— House Joint Resolution 12 — (PDF format)

As Director of the Division of Wildlife Resources, I appreciate the opportunity to speak in support of H.J.R. 12. This resolution addresses an issue, wolves in Utah, which has been a topic of much discussion for the past few weeks. Although this resolution is relatively short and straightforward, I believe it makes an important statement to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the citizens of Utah.

The resolution points out that wolves need to be removed from the Endangered Species List, with management authority being transferred to the State of Utah. Since the capture of a wolf in Morgan County, I have been asked questions such as "is there a place for wolves in Utah" and "are wolves welcome in Utah". In my opinion, the answer to these questions is very dependant upon the legal status of wolves. If wolves remain under the protection of the Endangered Species Act, the range of opinions and emotions relating to them will become more polarized than they presently are. Wolves will always be a controversial species, making management difficult. However, absent the Endangered Species designation, I believe the citizens of Utah have the ability to work together to develop a balanced, management strategy that addresses the concerns of the state's diverse population.

This resolution makes it clear that the state does not desire to be involved in any federal recovery efforts, but gives clear guidance to the Division of Wildlife Resources to focus their efforts on the management of wolves re-colonizing in Utah.

One of the most important components of this resolution is the vote of confidence it gives to the Division's policy-making process. Many statements have been made to the effect that the Regional Advisory Councils (RACs) and the Utah Wildlife Board are dominated by agricultural and sportsmen interests, thus making them incapable of developing sound wolf management policy. I would concur that the views and concerns of these two interests groups play a dominant role in the development of wildlife policy in Utah, and rightfully so. For over a century, hunters and anglers have provided the financial and political support necessary to establish and maintain healthy wildlife populations and habitats in Utah. Farmers and ranchers have and continue to provide essential habitat for Utah's wildlife. In many cases, they have done so at significant financial costs, while receiving very few benefits. By statute, the legislature has appropriately given landowners and sportsmen a prominent seat at the policy making table in Utah. To develop wolf management policy under a framework, which does not recognize and protect their contributions would be inappropriate.

Recent surveys indicate there is a level of public support for wolves in Utah. While public opinion is a critical component to be considered when establishing policy, the Wildlife Code makes it clear that other factors must be considered as well. The Utah Wildlife Board is also required to take into consideration the impact that their decisions may have on local economies, private property rights, and other wildlife related activities such as hunting. The Board has done an outstanding job of meeting its statutory responsibilities, and will do so again when establishing wolf management policies.

I appreciate the recognition that the Ute Indian Tribe needs to be a partner in developing policy relative to wolves. The Tribe either owns or has a legitimate interest in a significant amount of habitat that the Utah State University report, Wolves In Utah, has identified as suitable for the establishment of wolf populations. The State of Utah has a "government to government" relationship with the Ute Tribe, and the Division looks forward to working closely with them on wolf related issues.

The recognition that wolves in Utah create a financial burden is also important. Once again, the Endangered Species Act has created an unfunded mandate for the State of Utah. At a time when the Division's budget is shrinking from the impacts of a weakened economy and a prolonged drought, any increased costs will have a negative impact on other management programs.

In closing, I want to again express my strong support for this resolution. The Division of Wildlife Resources and the Utah Wildlife Board are confident that we can develop policy and management strategies for this controversial species consistent with the Utah Wildlife Code.

Thank you.

Related information: Gray wolves in Utah: Past, present and future status.