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ARF- 3798

Regular Agenda Item 3. J.

Regular BOS Meeting

Meeting Date:	07/05/2016
Submitted For:	John Marcanti	Submitted By:	Marian Sheppard, Clerk of the Board
Department:	Board of Supervisors-District 3

Information

Request/Subject

Adoption of Resolution No. 16-07-01 regarding the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS) finalized changes to the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Rule in Arizona and New Mexico.

Background Information

For the past couple of years, the Gila County Board of Supervisors (BOS) has been very involved in the ongoing process regarding the USFWS's proposed revision to the Nonessential Experimental Population of the Mexican Wolf and the implementation of a management plan. Throughout the process, the BOS has submitted letters to officials at the U.S. Department of the Interior and USFWS regarding their concerns because Gila County has been included as one of the areas for the release of Mexican wolves.

In January 2015, the USFWS finalized changes to the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Rule in Arizona and New Mexico providing for a fourfold expansion of the area where Mexican wolves primarily are expected to occur, and a tenfold increase in the area where Mexican wolves can initial be released from captivity.

Evaluation

Previous documents and current rulings prepared by the USFWS and Arizona Game and Fish Department show the intent to introduce more wolves into Gila County and surrounding areas.

The cooperation and or participation with the USFWS and other federal and state management agencies has not been sufficient thus far to adequately address the health, safety and welfare needs of human settlements, households, residents, domesticated animals and livestock in Gila County; therefore, the BOS will continue to make efforts to bring attention to this matter by declaring its obligation and intention to direct its elected officials and appointed department heads acting within their statutory authority to take appropriate action to properly protect County residents, domesticated animals and livestock from the potential harm by predatory animals, included introduced, experimental and managed species. Further, the BOS will strongly recommend that the USFWS undertake its legal obligation to fully consult with Gila County and the Arizona Game and Fish Department on any proposal to expand the wolf recovery area in the County and to coordinate any such efforts with the County law enforcement, environmental protection, and land planning officials.

Conclusion

Supervisor Marcanti is recommending that the BOS adopt Resolution No. 16-07-01 to declare the need to address governmental cooperation and protective measures regarding predatory animals, including introduced, experimental and managed species, interaction with humans, domesticated animals, and livestock.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt Resolution No. 16-07-01.

Suggested Motion

Information/Discussion/Action to adopt Resolution No. 16-07-01 whereby the Board of Supervisors is declaring the need to address governmental cooperation and protective measures regarding predatory animals, including introduced, experimental and managed species, interaction with humans, domesticated animals, and livestock as a result of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's recent finalized changes to the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Rule in Arizona and New Mexico; and further that this Resolution be provided immediately to Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, Arizona Game and Fish Department, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Arizona Congressional Delegation and the Arizona Legislature. (John Marcanti)

Attachments
Resolution No. 16-07-01