Sen. Ingebrigtsen applauds decision to remove gray wolf from endangered species list

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State Senator Bill Ingebrigtse, R-Alexandria, issued the

following statement on Wednesday regarding the federal government’s

decision to remove the gray wolf from the endangered species list:

“I welcome and applaud this decision made by federal officials to

remove the gray wolf from the federal endangered species list. The

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has concluded that the

state’s wolf population stands at 2,941; nearly twice the 1600

minimum needed to ensure long term survival. The DNR, conservation and

agricultural groups from all parts of the state should be commended for

their efforts to restore the gray wolf population.

When the federal government makes this official in January 2012,

Minnesota will need to develop a responsible conservation management

plan that ensures coexistence within their habitat. I will continue to

lead this effort.

As Chair of the Senate Environment Committee, I remain committed to

working alongside biologists, conservation officers, other lawmakers and

citizen stakeholders to promote the long term management and survival of

the gray wolf in Minnesota.”

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