Kretz offers alternative to Inslee’s gray wolf proposal
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, January 24th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
OLYMPIA – Rep. Joel Kretz (R-Wauconda) is strongly criticizing Gov. Jay Inslee’s latest proposal on further protecting gray wolves that attack livestock by making rules that would govern the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s ability to authorize lethal control.
Kretz believes Inslee’s proposal would further complicate the ability for ranchers and farmers to act themselves when wolves are caught in the act.
“We need to give Fish and Wildlife a little discretion on how they’re handling things based on people being on the scene and having local knowledge, and the governor doesn’t want that, so the ranchers and farmers – they’re frustrated,” Kretz said.
Kretz, who authored House Bill 2423, said his legislation would create a panel with a diverse interest in wolf management, to develop a regional plan on how best to maintain a healthy wolf population while minimizing impacts to livestock.
“When there is a pack that is putting people out of business, we need to take some kind of measure on that – we need to do it quickly without wasting a lot of time,” he said.
House Bill 2423 will be discussed at a public hearing Friday at 10:30 a.m. before the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.
