For Immediate Release
January 2nd, 2015
Contact:
Ashley Kohls
Phone: 612-618-6619
On behalf of the cattlemen and cattlewomen of Minnesota, The Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association (MSCA) is urging the Secretary of Interior, Secretary Sally Jewel, to immediately appeal the decision of US District Judge Beryl A. Howell that vacated the US Department of Interior’s action that delisted the wolves in Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin. In addition, MSCA further requested that the appeal include a petition for immediate stay of the order and full reinstatement of the final rule revising the Listing of the Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) in the Western Great Lakes (the “Final Rule”), 76 Fed. Reg. 81,666 (Dec. 28, 2011), pending completion of the appeal process. MSCA has also requested the assistance of Governor Dayton, Senator Al Franken, Senator Amy Klobuchar, Representative Collin Peterson and the rest of the Minnesota Federal Legislators in urging Secretary Jewel to file this appeal.
MSCA President Tim Nolte stated in his letter, “The ruling that reclassified wolves as threatened places Minnesota farm and ranch families in a concerning situation of committing a federal felony under the Endangered Species Act, should they injure or kill a wolf while attempting to protect a family pet or their domestic livestock.” He added “The ruling leaves the citizens of Minnesota without any immediate option to deal with wolves that are in the act of stalking or killing their livestock, family pets or frequenting their front yards and creating a serious danger to their children and grandchildren.”
The State of Minnesota, through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture, has developed and implemented a comprehensive and time proven wolf management plan. This successful plan has been the basis for previous delisting and the means of ensuring Minnesota’s wolves never again become threatened or endangered. MSCA plans to continue their support of Minnesota’s State agencies in controlling Minnesota’s wolf population.
For more information contact Ashley Kohls at 612-618-6619 or visit www.mnsca.org
The Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association (MSCA) is a membership-based organization that represents cattle farmers and individuals who are part of the cattle community in Minnesota.
Posted: January 2, 2015
