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Ask the Forest Service to deny IDFG's request to capture and radio collar wolves in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness: 10/09 Share
In another effort at predator control, Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) is proposing as many as 20 helicopter landings in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness (FCRNRW) to radio collar up to 12 wolves. A similar plan from IDFG was defeated in 2006, but the state agency landed a helicopter at least once last winter to collar a darted wolf, and believes it has “the legal authority” to land in the FCRNRW even without Forest Service approval. Given the State’s history, the project could help target wolves for extermination. Click here to take action.
Please voice your opposition to this intrusive plan, which runs counter to the spirit of the Wilderness Act. Comments should be sent to Salmon-Challis National Forest, Attn: William (Bill) Wood, Forest Supervisor, 1206 South Challis Street, Salmon, Idaho 83467. Electronic comments may be e-mailed to: comments-intermtn-salmon-challis@fs.fed.us. The official deadline is October 16, but comments are accepted any time.
Talking points could include the following:
1) The US Forest Service should not approve helicopter landings in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness to allow Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) to inappropriately collar wolves. Because the proposal does nothing to preserve the area’s wilderness character, the use of motorized equipment should not be allowed.
2) IDFG should obtain its wolf population data by aerial count, as it does for other species during its annual winter aerial big game count (during which this project is proposed).
3) The Salmon-Challis National Forest should not use a categorical exclusion (CE) to approve IDFG’s proposal. They must do an environmental analysis (EA) with a Minimum Tool Analysis included.
4) Helicopter landings and wolf darting and collaring will undermine the wilderness values and character of the area. The proposal is in direct opposition to idea of Wilderness as a place "where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man.”
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