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Health Risks and Legal Violations in Colorado's Wolf Introduction Program

Recently, the Colorado Conservation Alliance, Inc. (CCA) reported alarming updates regarding the state's wolf introduction program that has raised public health and ecological concerns. The introduction of non-native gray wolves into Colorado has resulted in the discovery of the Echinococcus Granulosus parasite, a dangerous tapeworm previously unknown in the region, which is responsible for Hydatid Disease. This emergence of the pathogen poses significant health risks to both humans and wildlife, as authorities rush to ramp up this controversial program.

Legal Challenges

The CCA has taken action against the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), asserting that these agencies failed to comply with necessary federal environmental reviews prior to releasing the wolves. The lawsuit points out that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) mandated under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was not conducted. Furthermore, the CCA claims that updated Resource Management Plans (RMP) needed to be submitted to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and there's been a breach of commitment regarding the non-introduction of wolves known for predating livestock.

The CCA is requesting an immediate halt to any further wolf releases until the CPW and USFWS fulfill these federal obligations, which are designed to safeguard the environment and the communities impacted by these actions.

Tribal Opposition

The concerns go beyond just legal requirements; they encompass significant opposition from Indigenous tribes. The Southern Ute Tribe, in particular, has voiced serious apprehensions regarding the potential risks to their sovereign rights and natural resources. A letter dated June 4, 2021, from the Tribe emphasized the risks posed to their hunting resources, asserting that the reintroduction of gray wolves represents an unacceptable threat to their ancestral lands covering approximately 5,781 square miles.

Moreover, the Southern Ute Tribe has been granted the authority to engage in lethal control of wolves that may negatively affect wildlife populations on tribal lands, asserting their need to protect their rights under the 1874 Brunot Agreement. This situation has been exacerbated as the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in Washington recently withdrew their support for wolf reintroduction after learning about the inadequacies in consultations between CPW and the Southern Ute Tribe.

Violation of Voter Intent

Compounding these issues, Colorado voters approved the wolf introduction exclusively within specific boundaries, from New Mexico to Wyoming, west of the Continental Divide. Contrarily, CPW signed a recent agreement restricting releases over a substantial 5,806 square miles area of Southwestern Colorado, encroaching on Southern Ute territory and severely contradicting voter intention.

As CPW prepares to import wolves from British Columbia come January 2025, opposition from local conservation groups remains firm. CCA has called for the suspension of releases and better protection measures for counties that did not support wolf reintroduction.

Next Steps

In response to these urgent concerns, CPW will host a public meeting on January 9, 2025, at their Denver office. The CCA is encouraging residents, especially from counties that opposed the program, to participate in the meeting or submit comments to express their demand for the immediate suspension of wolf releases, comprehensive health screening, and protections for affected counties.

The seriousness of the current situation underscores the need for thorough assessments and respects for both environmental regulations and tribal sovereignty. To learn more about supporting the CCA's legal efforts, visit www.cocoal.org.

The complexities of the wolf reintroduction program in Colorado highlight the delicate balance between wildlife management efforts and public health considerations, necessitating a collaborative approach that engages all stakeholders.