Public Comment Period Extended for Wolf Post Recovery

The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife has extended the post recovery wolf management plan public comment period two weeks to give folks more time to weigh in. People now have until November 15 to submit input on how Washington's gray wolves should be managed long term once they are no longer state listed.

"We've been out in some communities in rural areas, particularly those that are occupied by wolves. We've been getting word out about wolf post recovery planning in Washington and distributing materials," said Julia Smith, wolf coordinator. "We just wanted to make sure folks who may have received or read those materials have a chance to send in comments if they would like to."

The lengthier public comment period allows folks in rural communities without internet service more time to have a voice in the planning process.

WDFW is crafting the post recovery plan by using a multi-year State Environmental Policy Act process which includes requiring a public outreach element. However, people that miss the November 15, 5 p.m. deadline will have more opportunities in 2020 to submit input.

"This is the very, very beginning of the process, I encourage people to comment if they're interested. If they're not able to get comments in during the scoping period, this process is supposed to take two to three years so there will be more public comment periods as we develop the content of the plan," said Smith.