A motion-triggered camera captures members of the Profanity Peak Pack in northeastern Washington in June 2017.
The chance to comment on how Washington's gray wolves should be managed once they are no longer a state endangered species has been extended until Nov. 15.
This gives people more time to submit input, especially those in rural areas without internet service, according to a news release from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The postrecovery management plan requires public comment before the state can move forward.
The public can provide input through 5 p.m. on Nov. 15. After that, the next opportunity will be in late 2020 when WDFW evaluates actions, alternatives and impacts related to long-term wolf conservation and management.
"The current plan the department uses to guide wolf conservation and management was started in 2007 and developed over five years, specifically to inform wolf recovery. Because wolves are moving toward recovery in Washington, it is time to develop a new plan," WDFW wolf coordinator Julia Smith said in a news release. "This is just the start of the process, so if you don't get your input to us by Nov. 15, there will be more opportunities in 2020."
For more information, background, and frequently asked questions on wolf postrecovery visit WDFW's website wdfw.wa.gov.
An online survey and online commenting are also available online. There is also a comment form that can be printed and mailed to the department or general comments can be mailed to Lisa Wood, SEPA/NEPA Coordinator, WDFW Habitat Program, Protection Division, P.O. Box 43200, Olympia, 98504. Comments submitted via mail must be postmarked by Nov. 15.
