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| Date: | December 21, 2011 | | Contact Name: | Peter Winiecki | | Contact Phone: | 651-297-8077 | | Contact Email: | peter.winiecki@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| STATEMENT FROM SENATOR BILL INGEBRIGTSEN ON REMOVAL OF THE GRAY WOLF FROM THE ENDANGERED SPECIES LIST |
St. Paul – State Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen (R-Alexandria) issued the following statement on Wednesday regarding the federal government’s decision to remove the gray wolf from the endangered species list:
“I welcome and applaud this decision made by federal officials to remove the gray wolf from the federal endangered species list. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has concluded that the state’s wolf population stands at 2941; nearly twice the 1600 minimum needed to ensure long term survival. The DNR, conservation and agricultural groups from all parts of the state should be commended for their efforts to restore the gray wolf population.
When the federal government makes this official in January 2012, Minnesota will need to develop a responsible conservation management plan that ensures coexistence within their habitat. I will continue to lead this effort.
As Chair of the Senate Environment Committee, I remain committed to working alongside biologists, conservation officers, other lawmakers and citizen stakeholders to promote the long term management and survival of the gray wolf in Minnesota.”
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