Dear Secretary Stepp,
Subject: Restore balance to Wisconsin's Wolf Advisory Committee!
I’m writing to express my deep concern regarding the situation for wolves in Wisconsin.
In March of 2013 a new Wolf Advisory Committee was formed including livestock, hunting and trapping interests but without independent scientists and conservation organizations.
Currently, the committee consists of 12 Department of Natural Resources (DNR) biologists, four federal and county partners, and seven representing hunting, trapping and livestock interests. Yet there is only one seat for all tribal stakeholders and one more for other voices not represented by hunting or livestock interests.
When it comes to a policy as significant as the wolf management plan, which sets goals and minimum thresholds, a wide range of stakeholder groups should have input, including conservation organizations and independent scientists. Population models by University of Wisconsin biologists project that a population goal of 350 wolves would be difficult to maintain, yet voices on the committee are calling for this number to remain or even be reduced.
As the head steward of Wisconsin’s natural resources, it is up to you to fairly and objectively evaluate the best available science and the opinions of all sectors of the public, and I urge you to restore balance to this committee.
[Your comments will be inserted here.]
I urge you to restore integrity to the stakeholder input process, and rebalance the Wolf Advisory Committee, by giving alternative opinions a seat at the table and putting science back in the process.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your name here]
