Gray Wolf (Canis lupus)
Archived Information - Control of Depredating Wolves in
Wisconsin:
Decision and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Environmental
Assessment:
Management of Wolf Conflicts and Depredating Wolves in Wisconsin
Introduction
Gray
wolf (Canis lupus) populations in North America, including the
wolf population in Wisconsin, have undergone a dramatic recovery in recent
years due to protection from persecution. However, the combination of
an increasing Wisconsin wolf population, human encroachment on wild habitats
and conversion of natural landscapes to agricultural and urban environments
has led to increased conflicts between wolves and humans. Conflicts with
wolves include predation on livestock and pets, and risks to human safety
from potentially hazardous or threatening wolves. Management of conflicts
with wolves is addressed in the Wisconsin Wolf Management Plan (WWMP;
WDNR 1999) and in the United States Department of the Interior, Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS) Eastern Timber Wolf Recovery Plan (USFWS 1992).
Prompt, professional management of damage and conflicts with wolves is
an important component of wolf recovery efforts because it facilitates
local public acceptance and tolerance of wolves (Fritts 1993, Mech 1995,
WDNR 1999, 50 CFR 17.40(o)). The United Stated Department of Agriculture,
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Wildlife Services
(WS), the United States Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) have
prepared an environmental assessment (EA) evaluating ways by which the
agencies may work together to resolve conflicts with wolves in Wisconsin.
The EA documented the need for wolf damage management (WDM) in Wisconsin
and assessed potential impacts on the human environment from the various
alternatives for responding to wolf damage problems in Wisconsin, including
the USFWS issuance of permits and establishment of 4(d) rules allowing
the lethal removal of wolves for WDM under authorities in Section 10(a)(1)(A)
of the Endangered Species Act. The EA analyzes the potential environmental
and social effects of alternatives for protecting domestic animals and
human safety on private and public lands throughout the State.
WS was the
lead agency in the preparation of the EA, and the USFWS and WDNR were
cooperating agencies The Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission
(GLIFWC), Wisconsin Ho-Chunk Nation, and the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake
Superior Chippewa Indians were consulting agencies in the production of
the EA. The USFWS has the primary statutory authority, under the Federal
Endangered Species Act (ESA), for managing federally protected species
including wolves. While wolves are federally protected as an endangered
or threatened species, permits or special 4(d) rules must be issued by
the USFWS before select non-lethal (aversive conditioning and non-lethal
projectiles) and all lethal WDM techniques may be used. WS is the Federal
program authorized by law to provide assistance with the reduction of
damage caused by wildlife. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
provides for the control, management, restoration, conservation and regulation
of birds, fish, game, forestry and all wildlife resources of the state.
The Tribes exercise similar authority on tribal lands, in addition to
having retained the right to hunt, fish, and gather on lands and waters
in the ceded territories. The GLIFWC represents tribal interests in wildlife
management on lands in the ceded territories.
The agencies
prepared the EA to assist in planning WDM activities; to clearly communicate
with the public the analysis of cumulative effects for a number of issues
of concern in relation to alternative means of meeting needs for such
management in the State, including the potential cumulative impacts on
wolves and other wildlife species; and to meet the requirements of the
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The analysis in the EA covers
current and future WDM actions by WS, the USFWS, and the WDNR while wolves
are federally protected under the ESA1. Comments from the public involvement
processes for the EA and permit application were reviewed for substantive
issues and alternatives which were considered in developing this decision
(Chapter 6 of the EA).
The proposed
action (EA Alternative 2) of WS, the WDNR, and the USFWS is to permit
and conduct an Integrated Wildlife Damage Management (IWDM) program for
wolves on public and private lands in Wisconsin. The IWDM approach, commonly
known as Integrated Pest Management (WS Directive 2.105), involves the
simultaneous or sequential use or recommendation of a combination of methods
to reduce damage. Wolf damage and conflict management is not based on
punishing offending animals but as one means of reducing damage and is
used as part of the WS Decision Model (Slate et al. 1992, USDA 1997 revised,
WS Directive 2.201). The WDNR, organizations, associations, groups, and
individuals have requested USFWS and WS assistance with the management
of wolf conflicts and wolf damage in Wisconsin. All wolf damage management
activities would be conducted in compliance with relevant laws, regulations,
policies, orders and procedures, including the Endangered Species Act
of 1973.
Wildlife
Services (APHIS-USDA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service each signed
a Finding of No Significant Impact.
PDF
of Complete FONSI signed by Wildlife Services (10 pages)
PDF of Complete FONSI signed by U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Services (10 pages)
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