In a recent development, a group of Republican lawmakers is urging the Biden administration to extend the public comment period on a proposal to release grizzly bear populations in a federally managed forest area in northern Washington. Led by Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse, these lawmakers have expressed concerns about the potential dangers posed by the introduction of grizzly bears into the North Cascades. They argue that the Biden administration is moving forward with the proposal against the will of locals, and they are demanding an extension of the public comment period to allow impacted communities adequate time to review and respond.
The proposal, unveiled by the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and National Park Service (NPS), aims to reintroduce grizzly bears throughout North Cascades National Park near the U.S.-Canada border. It includes options for actively restoring populations of the threatened apex predator species or maintaining current management practices. The federal government plans to release up to seven grizzly bears annually into the North Cascades ecosystem over the next five to 10 years, with the goal of establishing a population of approximately 200 bears in the coming decades.
Grizzly bears once occupied the North Cascades and played an essential role in the ecosystem for thousands of years. However, aggressive hunting practices in the 20th century drove the species to near extinction, with the last confirmed sighting of a grizzly bear in the North Cascades ecosystem occurring in 1996. The proposed reintroduction aims to restore this natural heritage while ensuring the coexistence of communities, properties, and animals.
The Republican lawmakers argue that the federal government is circumventing state law and disregarding the opposition from local communities. They highlight that plans to reintroduce grizzly bears to the North Cascades date back to the Obama administration but were halted during the Trump administration due to state opposition. Former Interior Secretary David Bernhardt stated in 2020 that grizzly bears were not in danger of extinction and that his agency could manage populations across their existing range. However, following litigation from environmental groups, the Biden administration announced a review of the restoration process, leading to the proposal.
Local commissioners from Chelan County, Washington, have expressed their opposition to grizzly bear reintroduction, citing concerns about public safety, economic development, recreation opportunities, and the livelihood of rural communities. They argue that the federal agencies leading the effort have failed to address these concerns and engage with the affected counties.
Republican representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington, Russ Fulcher of Idaho, Cliff Bentz of Oregon, Harriet Hageman of Wyoming, and Matt Rosendale of Montana have joined the call for an extension of the public comment period. The Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service have not yet responded to requests for comment.
The proposed reintroduction of grizzly bears in the North Cascades raises important questions about the balance between conservation efforts and the concerns of local communities. The Republican lawmakers’ demand for an extension of the public comment period reflects their commitment to ensuring that impacted communities have a say in the decision-making process. The outcome of this debate will have far-reaching implications for the future of wildlife management and coexistence in the region.
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