Commenters criticize new wolf recovery plan
on both sides of the debate.
Mexico’s involvement in the recovery process was mentioned several times throughout the two-hour question and answer session.
The draft of the recovery plan stipulates that the population of wolves in Mexico, currently at 28, must increase to 170 before delisting can occur.
“Why does our plan rely so heavily on Mexico?” asked Donna Corcoran, adding that the country recently shifted much of its funds allocated to species recovery to the critically endangered vaquita porpoise, of which there are fewer than 30 left in the wild.
Barrett acknowledged that Mexico is “having some financial issues right now,” but he said they are looking for other sources of funding and remain committed to the wolf’s recovery.
She cited the ocelot and Sonoran pronghorn as examples of successful cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico to protect endangered species.
Many participants also voiced concerns over New Mexico’s Department of Game and Fish’s “veto power” over the release program.
Game and Fish left the Mexican gray wolf’s Interagency Field Team in 2011, leaving FWS to largely administer the recovery program in the state.
Last year, the state sued FWS to block them from releasing wolves in the state.
“I’ve been to many New Mexico Game and Fish meetings,” said Albuquerque resident Brenda McKenna. “I simply don’t have any confidence at all that they can be a steward of the Mexican wolf.”
Barrett said the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has worked with FWS for the majority of the time Mexican wolf recovery efforts have been underway and the agency prefers to collaborate with states in cases like this one.
“We think this program has a high chance of success,” Barrett said.
Public comment on the plan will close Aug. 29, and the plan will be finalized by Nov. 30.