California Reaffirms Commitment To Gray Wolf Recovery As Federal Delisting Review Begins
California wildlife officials are standing by the state’s commitment to endangered species recovery following a new executive order calling for a review of protections for gray wolves and Mexican wolves under the Endangered Species Act.
In a September 10 statement, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife reaffirmed the state’s commitment to species recovery and addressed future wildlife decisions, stating:
“At the same time, we will continue to rely on sound science and meaningful public participation when making decisions about California’s wildlife.”
Under the September 4 executive order signed by President Trump, the Secretary of the Interior has 90 days to determine whether gray wolves and Mexican wolves have met the recovery criteria for delisting or downlisting under the Endangered Species Act.
If the Interior Secretary determines that those criteria have been met, the order directs the department to begin the process of delisting or downlisting the wolves.
Most importantly, current federal protections for gray wolves and Mexican wolves remain in place during the review. These protections are critical to their long-term survival.
The order also directs the Interior Department to prepare and submit to the President a legislative recommendation regarding the federal status of gray wolves and Mexican wolves under the Endangered Species Act.
As the federal review moves forward, California’s continued commitment to endangered species recovery is especially important. Gray wolves and Mexican wolves deserve strong protections and science-based conservation efforts that support their continued recovery in the wild.
