Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Request for Information on Implementation of the Gray Wolf (Canis Lupus) Nonessential Experimental Population Rule in Colorado

The commenter supports the reintroduction of gray wolves in Colorado, citing the program's success in recovering the species and its effectiveness in using nonlethal coexistence tools for livestock producers. They argue that additional reintroductions are necessary to increase genetic diversity and ensure the long-term survival of the wolf population.

The Colorado Conservation Alliance opposes the implementation of the Gray Wolf reintroduction program, arguing that the 2020 Proposition 114 mandate was based on fraudulent election results. They request that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reconsider its memorandum of understanding with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife based on their provided analysis of the election.

The La Plata-Archuleta Cattlemen's Association opposes the reintroduction of gray wolves due to the economic and operational burdens placed on livestock producers. They urge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to maintain management flexibility, streamline removal authority for problem wolves, and prioritize the concerns of ranching families in future decisions.

The Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado (AGNC), a statutory council of governments, opposes the current implementation of the gray wolf nonessential experimental population rule in Colorado. They argue that the state has failed to provide adequate management tools, transparency, and compensation for livestock producers, and they request that the federal government impose stronger sideboards and reevaluate the necessity of the current framework.

The Western Landowners Alliance, a nonprofit representing livestock producers and land managers, supports the continued management flexibility provided under the 10(j) rule for gray wolves in Colorado. They argue for a balanced approach that combines early nonlethal conflict prevention with timely, targeted lethal removal for chronically depredating packs to protect the economic viability of working lands.

ColoradoWild, an advocacy organization, expresses enthusiastic support for the gray wolf reintroduction program in Colorado and the associated 10(j) rule. They argue that the program is a conservation success that promotes ecological balance and advocate for additional wolf reintroductions to ensure long-term population viability.

Marc Cooke, representing Wolves of the Rockies, argues that the federal government should not expand lethal management authorities or intervene in the state-led wolf restoration program. He contends that Colorado Parks and Wildlife should remain the primary authority and that the state needs more time to implement its existing nonlethal conflict prevention measures before the 10(j) framework is modified.

The Colorado Nature League, a nonprofit conservation organization, supports the continued implementation of the 10(j) Rule for gray wolves in Colorado. They argue that the program is currently successful, that more wolves are needed to create a self-sustaining population, and that the state's nonlethal deterrence and compensation programs are effective.

Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics (FSEEE), a nonprofit organization, supports the continued implementation of the Colorado gray wolf reintroduction program under the 10(j) Rule. They argue that the program is successfully meeting the Endangered Species Act's recovery mandate and advocate for improved funding, better communication with producers, and the creation of an independent advisory board to manage the program effectively.