Gray Wolf (Canis lupus)
Archived Information - Control of Depredating Wolves in Michigan:
Final Environmental Assessment
ESA Permit
Measures
to protect pets and livestock from problem wolves in Michigan have been
adopted. The measures, approved by federal and state agencies in consultation
with tribes, address wolf depredation control measures using an integrated
approach that includes lethal and non-lethal measures.
An Environmental
Assessment was prepared to evaluate a range of options for addressing
wolf damage in Michigan.
The Environmental
Assessment was prepared in response to a Michigan DNR application for
a permit to "take" (killing, harming) gray wolves for various
recovery activities. Gray wolves in Michigan are listed as endangered
under the Endangered Species Act. Permits authorizing removal of problem
wolves are provided for under the ESA when those actions are needed for
scientific purposes or to enhance survival of a listed species' population.
Allowing removal of problem wolves helps ensure that illegal killing of
gray wolves is minimized, and public tolerance of wolves in general is
maintained.
Following
completion of the Environmental Assessment the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service signed a permit (PDF) that provides
for full implementation of the integrated management program allowing
control or removal of depredating wolves. The permit will be issued to
the State of Michigan; control actions will be carried out by the State
of Michigan and Wildlife Services, acting as an agent for the state.
A Set of Findings, Decision
and Finding of No Significant Impact, Biological
Opinion, a copy of the permit (PDF), and
the final EA, which includes public comments
on the draft EA and responses (Chapter 6) can all be viewed from this
website. Printed copies of the final EA and Decision can also be obtained
from Wildlife Services at 2803 Jolly Road, Suite 100, Okemos, MI 48864.
Set
of Findings describe the Service’s rationale for making its
recommendation to issue an ESA permit to the Michigan DNR. Much of the
summary information used in this document is described in detail in
the Environmental Assessment and Biological Opinion.
Decision
and Finding of No Significant Impact provides
the reasons why the proposed action (wolf depredation control in Michigan)
will not be a significant impact, individually or cumulatively, on the
quality of the human environment.
Biological
Opinion addresses the effects of issuing an ESA permit to the Michigan
DNR to conduct research, monitoring, and depredation abatement activities
involving the gray wolf.
ESA
Permit (PDF) to Michigan DNR for wolf recovery activities, including
wolf depredation control.
Final
Environmental Assessment evaluates the need for wolf depredation
control in Michigan and alternatives considered for controlling wolf
depredation problems.
DRAFT
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT - was
available for public review and comment from January 19 thru February
21, 2006.
Draft
Environmental Assessment for the Management of Wolf Conflicts and Depredating
Wolves in Michigan (PDF; 130 pages)
Questions
and Answers about the Draft Environmental Assessment for the Management
of Wolf Conflicts and Depredating Wolves in Michigan
MICHIGAN
PERMIT APPLICATION
The Michigan
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) submitted an application for a permit
to take gray wolves in order to conduct various recovery activities for
the species. An announcement of that permit application was published
in the Federal Register on Sept. 14, 2005, which opened a 30-day public
comment period. Our review of that permit application included compliance
with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) which necessitated the
preparation of an Environmental Assessment. Below are links to information
about Michigan DNR's permit application.
Michigan DNR permit application to take gray wolves for recovery purposes.
A summary
of public comments and FWS responses on the Michigan DNR permit application.
Michigan
DNR draft permit (PDF)
Michigan
DNR final permit (PDF)
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