By Justin Paskett

The wolf population in the Northern Rocky Mountains -- Idaho, Montana and Wyoming -- continues to increase in distribution and size. By the end of 2001 estimated numbers had grown to a point where no one expected them to be this soon. There were 261 wolves in the Central Idaho Recovery Area, 218 in the Greater Yellowstone Recovery Area, and 84 in the Northwest Montana Recovery Area.

Within the state of Idaho, there were an estimated 251 wolves, 189 in Wyoming and 123 in Montana. Of the 63 groups of two or more wolves, at least 34 wolf packs met the definition of "breeding pair," an adult male and female raising two or more pups until Dec. 31.

2001 was the second year in which recovery criteria had been met to delist wolves from the Endangered Species list. The delisting process began in 2003 requiring state wildlife agencies to create and implement management plans. Until that process is complete wolves remain under the full protection of the Endangered Species Act.

Since wolf recovery efforts began in 1995 the Wildlife Resources has been aware that wolves eventually would come looking for new habitat to colonize. That theory was confirmed in November 2003 when a wolf from Yellowstone was caught near Morgan, Utah.

House Joint Resolution 12 passed unanimously Feb. 4. It urges the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to draft a wolf management policy for Utah. The question remains whether the policy will be based on sound ecological science with broad public involvement, or on the wants and desires of special interest groups.

There is reason to believe that the final management plan will be heavily if not completely influenced by special interest groups. HJR12 directs the Utah Wildlife Board and the Regional Advisory Committees (RAC) -- which help DWR make wildlife policy -- to lead the way in wolf planning. Those groups are dominated by ranchers, farmers and sportsmen, organizations dedicated to opposing any warm welcome for the predators in Utah. The fear of environmental interests is that these groups will dictate the final plan. To avoid that happening, a DWR plan for establishing independent working groups representing all sides in the debate is needed now. (Future of Wolves in Utah, Utah Division of Wildlife Services)

Late in 2002, Utah State University's College of Natural Resources released "Wolves in Utah: An Analysis of Potential Impacts and Recommendations for Management." The study, while not definitive, contains many excellent, science-driven suggestions that should be given weight by the DWR. Recently a group of researchers at USU published a scientific report on the impacts of wolf recolonization in Utah.

Adam Switalski, lead author on the USU report and on the Science Advisory Board for the new Utah Wolf Forum, said, "Based on the findings of our report, the ecological benefits of wolf recovery in our area have outweighed the economic costs. (USU Wolf Report)

"Wolf advocates have armed themselves with the report from USU, which concludes that about 200 wolves could live in Utah without causing significant problems."says Dick Carter, director of the High Uintas Preservation Council. Wolves would enjoy popular support, if things progress as many conservationists hope. A new Salt Lake Tribune survey shows that 61 percent of Utah residents favor wolf recolonization.

Wolves from Wyoming and Idaho seeking new territory in Utah has energized many environmentalists and biologists. Many banded together to form a coalition called the Utah Wolf Forum to encourage the state to make room for the wolf. (Utah Wolf Forum)

They believe that the wolf is an important part of America's wildlife heritage, plays a vital role in a healthy ecosystem and increasingly adds to the "wilderness experience" sought by so many urban refugees.

Hunters and ranchers certainly should have a voice in formulating a plan, just as should environmental interests. But none should be allowed to drown out good science -- or the voices of the majority of Utahns, not pledged to any special interest group, who want the wolf to find a home in our state.