Ten Reasons for Wolf Recovery in Oregon

1.  70% of Oregonians favor wolf recovery.

A 1999 poll of Oregon voters conducted by the Portland-based professional polling firm of Davis & Hibbitts found that 70% favored wolf recovery in Oregon. Even if people never actually see the wolves, they want to know that they are running wild and free in Oregon.

2.  The American public supports Oregon's position.

Numerous polls throughout the United States conducted over the last 30 years indicate that 60-70% of the American public supports recovery of this key species.

3. Oregon is Wolf Country.

Hells Canyon and the Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon contain millions of acres of prime wolf habitat, much of which is remote wilderness with relatively less potential for wolf-livestock conflicts than other areas. This region is the "front door" into Oregon for wolves and we should be putting a welcome sign for wolves over this door, not a line of traps, fences and shotguns.

4. Wolves are part of Oregon's past and should be part of our future.

Wolves are indigenous to Oregon. They are part of Oregon's history and our wildlife heritage. We should practice good stewardship and make sure they are part of Oregon's future. Wolves are recovering well in other states with a minimum of conflict with humans and livestock. No person has been killed or injured by these recovering wolf populations. Ranchers who have lost livestock due to wolves have been compensated through private or state compensation funds, and wolves have been removed or packs broken up when a wolf-livestock conflict has arisen.

5. Wolves are on the way.

Since 1999, three confirmed Idaho wolves have made their way into Oregon. Over the past four years, reported wolf sightings in Oregon have increased, with 60 reported just in the last two years. The state should adopt a policy that promotes wolf recovery. Wolves can recover in Oregon with minimal expense to the state and federal government. The habitat exists and the wolves are already entering the state. With proactive management and guidance, wolves can once again thrive in Oregon.

6. The Oregon state Endangered Species Act requires that wolves be protected and conserved.

All current protections for Oregon wolves must remain intact. In Oregon, the wolf is in too precarious a position to relax existing endangered species protections. The human intolerance that drove the wolf out of Oregon is still too potent in some sectors. The wolf should not be "down-listed" or "delisted." Oregon must develop a proactive recovery plan that promotes viable wolf populations.

7. Wolves are a key component of a healthy ecosystem.

Studies conducted in areas where wolves have been restored are demonstrating the dynamic and beneficial impact of wolves. Wolves and prey species evolved together over thousands of years and it is the wolf¹s presence that maintains the health of species such as deer and elk. Carcasses left by wolves provide food for many other animals, from mammals to birds to insects. In Yellowstone National Park, where wolves are causing elk to disperse, aspen stands which have been overbrowsed by elk in the wolf's absence are finally regenerating growth.

8. Wolves are culturally significant to many Native American tribes.

In Idaho, the Nez Perce Tribe has managed the recovery of the wolf. In Oregon, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation has expressed interest in a wolf management role of some type. Their views, concerns and management role must be addressed.

9. Economic benefits from increased ecotourism can be expected in regions where wolves are restored.

An economic analysis for Yellowstone National Park noted an expected benefit of $6.7-9.9 million due to wolf recovery, with an eventual anticipated $23 million annual increase in tourist expenditures in the area as a result of the wolf's presence. In other areas where wolves are recovering and being studied, such as in Minnesota, communities experience increased tourist visitation and spending, as well. We can expect the same in Oregon.

10. Wolf recovery is important for the species itself.

Wolves' very survival depends on having a sufficient number of wolf populations that are large enough to provide for the continuing viability of the species. Right now, wolves have been restored to less than 4% of their original numbers in less than 4% of their original habitat. Having wolves in Oregon would contribute to the chances for this species to survive.

If ten reasons are enough, how about an additional twelve reasons to support wolf recovery.

Twelve reason to support natural wolf recovery in Oregon.

Wolf recovery will:

1. Restore the balance to Oregon ecosystems that was lost over 36 years ago when its last wolf was killed;
2. Restore one of Oregon's top predators, which improve the health of elk, deer, and other species by removing old, sick, and less fit individuals;
3. Restore balance to coyote populations that expanded to compensate for the loss of wolves (as occurred in Yellowstone National Park;
4.    4. Increase populations of carnivores such as eagles and wolverines that scavenge on carrion left by wolves (as is occurring in Yellowstone National Park);
5. Allow Oregonians to hear and possibly see wolves in Oregon's wild lands;
6. Increase tourism to Oregon's wild lands (as is occurring in Yellowstone National Park);
7. Follow the wishes of 80% of Americans who want wolves restored to American wilderness;
8. Allow Oregon to join the ever increasing number of states (ID, MT, WY, MI, MN, WI, SC, NC, NM, and AZ), which are restoring their wolves;
9. Gain important scientific insights into ecosystem dynamics and wolf recovery in its historic range; and
10. Allow Oregonians to learn about the true nature of wolves.

But, the top two reasons why wolf recovery should be supported is because:

   1. Wolves are returning to Oregon on their own; and
   2. Wolves belong in Oregon.