For years, Idaho’s cattlemen have acted in good faith, trusting that the government would come through on its promise to delist the wolves when population targets were met.  Those targets were met several years ago.  Despite the repeated broken promises of delisting, ranchers tried to live and operate under the stringent regulatory framework of the Endangered Species Act, despite suffering massive production losses.  When the delisting rule was finally published, our industry felt that we were, in some small way, rewarded for our continued patience and cooperation:  ranchers would be able to feel secure in protecting their livestock and property while a stable, vibrant wolf population was maintained across the state through a proven state management program.  
    The radical environmentalist groups’ lawsuit and resulting court victory has exhibited their true intentions.  They have driven a figurative stake through the heart of conservation through cooperation.  Their desire is obviously to control land use activities through manipulation of an outdated law, which in Judge Malloy’s own words has been used to, “sow the dragon's teeth of strife or to plant the seeds of future conflicts”.  With the wolves’ rapid rate of expansion and obvious resilience, it is nonsensical to argue that they are still in need of federal protections.  Not only does it defy common sense, but keeping wolves listed as an Endangered Species is in direct contradiction to the FWS’ own stated recovery plans.  We are frustrated that Judge Malloy capitulated on the environmentalist’s procedural arguments even as he acknowledged that the delisting decision was “pragmatic” and “practical”.   
    Additionally, this past year in which wolves were delisted was proof positive that the states’ existing regulatory mechanisms are adequate to ensure a continued, viable wolf population.  The state of Idaho capably took on the responsibility to manage its wolf populations.  Idaho’s elected officials and state agencies have proven that the state is willing and able to do what is needed to properly manage the wolves and keep their population at sufficient and appropriate levels.  
    The environmentalists’ lawsuit and subsequent judge’s decision is bad for Idaho and bad for the true ideals of conservation.  It is unfortunate that this battle is being fought in the courtroom.  Idaho ranchers, sportsmen, conservation groups, and members of the general public all agree that delisting is the right move for managing our escalating wolf population.  We remain hopeful that sound science and commons sense will rule at the end of the day as this issue moves forward in the judicial and regulatory processes. 

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