LANSING -- The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) has completed a draft update of the 2008 Michigan Wolf Management Plan and is seeking public comment during a 30-day period beginning today, March 4. The 2008 Wolf Management Plan was created using extensive public input to identify important issues and assess public attitudes toward wolves and their management, as well as a review of the biological and social science on wolves.
The four principal goals within the plan are to:
- Maintain a viable wolf population.
- Facilitate wolf-related benefits.
- Minimize wolf-related conflicts.
- Conduct science-based and socially acceptable management of wolves.
Beginning in November 2014, the DNR sought comments on the implementation of the 2008 plan.* During the comment period, the DNR received more than 3,000 responses to its online and hard-copy survey. Based on those responses and corresponding comments, and an internal review of the document, a draft updated plan recently was completed and is available for public review and comment.
The four principal goals in the 2008 plan remain the same in the updated plan. The 2015 draft also includes updated scientific literature and new information and facts regarding wolves in Michigan. A companion document, which summarizes DNR management accomplishments in addressing the action items from the 2008 plan, also is available for public review.
The draft updated plan and the 2008 Summary of Management Accomplishments document are available for download at Michigan.gov/wolves.
Send comments on the draft updated plan to:
DNR-Wildlife@michigan.gov or via U.S. mail to DNR Wildlife Division, P.O. Box 30444, Lansing MI 48909. Comments must be received no later than April 3.
* Editor's Note:
See our Nov. 14, 2014, article on the 2008 plan, including comments from Nancy Warren, Great Lakes regional director and executive director of the National Wolfwatcher Coalition (NWC), who has served on the Michigan Wolf Management Roundtable, whose members developed principles to guide management of Michigan wolves and wolf-related issues.
