Idaho committee advocates for delisting grizzly bears and urges Congress to act
February 17, 2025 | Resources & Environment, SENATE, Committees, Legislative, Idaho
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In a recent meeting of the Idaho House of Representatives, the committee discussed House Joint Memorial 4, which calls for the delisting of grizzly bears in the lower 48 states from the Endangered Species Act. The memorial emphasizes Idaho's significant role in the management and recovery of the grizzly population, arguing that the species has reached satisfactory numbers and should be managed at the state level.
Representative Raymond, who introduced the memorial, highlighted the need for Congress to review the Endangered Species Act to ensure it aligns with its original intent. He stressed that decisions regarding species management should be based on scientific evidence rather than solely relying on federal agencies. The memorial aims to urge Congress to take action on this matter.
During the meeting, Steve Nadeau, a retired expert with extensive experience in grizzly bear management, provided testimony. He pointed out that while the population numbers are adequate, two critical factors for delisting—habitat curtailment and regulatory mechanisms—remain unaddressed. Nadeau cautioned that without a state management plan, permanent delisting would be challenging. He suggested that the legislature should refrain from pushing memorials and instead support state biologists in their efforts to manage grizzly bears effectively.
Russ Hendricks, representing the Idaho Farm Bureau, also voiced support for the memorial, citing the negative impacts of increasing grizzly bear populations on local farmers. He echoed the sentiment that the current population exceeds recovery goals and that delisting is necessary for effective management.
The committee ultimately moved to recommend the memorial for a "do pass" to the floor, reflecting a growing consensus on the need for state-level management of grizzly bears. As discussions continue, the implications of this memorial could significantly affect wildlife management policies in Idaho and the broader region. The next steps will involve further deliberation in the House, where the fate of the memorial will be determined.
Representative Raymond, who introduced the memorial, highlighted the need for Congress to review the Endangered Species Act to ensure it aligns with its original intent. He stressed that decisions regarding species management should be based on scientific evidence rather than solely relying on federal agencies. The memorial aims to urge Congress to take action on this matter.
During the meeting, Steve Nadeau, a retired expert with extensive experience in grizzly bear management, provided testimony. He pointed out that while the population numbers are adequate, two critical factors for delisting—habitat curtailment and regulatory mechanisms—remain unaddressed. Nadeau cautioned that without a state management plan, permanent delisting would be challenging. He suggested that the legislature should refrain from pushing memorials and instead support state biologists in their efforts to manage grizzly bears effectively.
Russ Hendricks, representing the Idaho Farm Bureau, also voiced support for the memorial, citing the negative impacts of increasing grizzly bear populations on local farmers. He echoed the sentiment that the current population exceeds recovery goals and that delisting is necessary for effective management.
The committee ultimately moved to recommend the memorial for a "do pass" to the floor, reflecting a growing consensus on the need for state-level management of grizzly bears. As discussions continue, the implications of this memorial could significantly affect wildlife management policies in Idaho and the broader region. The next steps will involve further deliberation in the House, where the fate of the memorial will be determined.
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