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State Representative Tom Anzelc
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4936
For more information contact: Jenny Nash 651-296-4122
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Two Minnesota Iron Range legislators introducing bill to establish wolf hunting and trapping season to address overpopulation in Northern Minnesota
(NORTHERN MINNESOTA) - With the Interior Department’s delisting of the gray wolf in Minnesota from the Endangered Species Act, it is time to get the exploding wolf population under control in Northern Minnesota. Two House Iron Range lawmakers, with assistance from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, are working on legislation to properly manage the wolf population. The bill being devised will give the DNR authorization to establish a wolf hunting and trapping season and licensing process.
“I am relieved the Interior Department has finally made this move. We are all keenly aware of the predatory problems that have come from the overpopulation of wolves in Northern Minnesota. Wolves are not just killing deer, especially the young, they are eating livestock, guard animals, and domestic pets," stated State Representative David Dill (DFL-Crane Lake.)
State Representative Tom Anzelc (DFL-Balsam Township) said, “According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ wolf management plan, a minimum population of 1,600 wolves is needed to ensure their long-term survival. The current population is estimated at nearly twice this size. Clearly, we need to get the situation in check.”
The long-time effort to delist the gray wolf in Minnesota was backed by many conservation and agriculture groups, including: the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota State Cattleman’s Association, Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Alliance, Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, Minnesota Conservation Federation and the Minnesota Farmers Union.
“We will continue to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other federal and state agencies to properly address management of the wolf population in Northern Minnesota. In light of the delisting, we would like to expedite the DNR rulemaking process and establish the wolf hunting and trapping season and licensing process as soon as possible,” concluded Rep. Dill.
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News Items
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- REP. ANZELC: DISASTER RELIEF PACKAGE PROVIDES DESPERATELY NEEDED STATE AID - (Posted: 2012-08-24 00:00:00)
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