February 1, 2005

Sharon Rose - 303-236-4580

Statement on the U.S. District Court for Oregon's Ruling
 on Wolf Reclassification

The Service is disappointed with the Court’s ruling striking down the rule that downlisted gray wolf populations from endangered to threatened in the Western and Eastern U.S. We believe our rule provided for biologically sound management of the core population of wolves in areas where we knew they could thrive as stable, viable populations. We also believe the rule was correct as a matter of law under the Endangered Species Act. We are currently studying the court’s opinion and working with the attorneys at the Department of Justice to better understand its implications and determine our future course of action.

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