A resolution to urge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to allow the state of Michigan to engage in the scientific management of the species Canis Lupus.
Impact
As the resolution asserts, the population of gray wolves in Michigan has significantly exceeded the recovery goals set forth in both the 1978 and 1992 recovery plans, which required a population of 100 to 200 animals maintained for five consecutive years. By 2020, estimates indicated that the population in Michigan's Upper Peninsula alone had grown to over 695 wolves. This successful recovery suggests that the federal protections are no longer needed, and state management may better serve the interests of both the species and the local ecosystem.
Summary
House Resolution 233 urges the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to allow the state of Michigan to take over the scientific management of the gray wolf, known scientifically as Canis Lupus. The resolution highlights the gray wolf's previous classification as an endangered species and the various protections afforded to it since the mid-20th century. It cites the development of recovery plans that were intended to stabilize the wolf population, following the acknowledgment of their vital role in the ecosystem as apex predators.
Contention
The proposal for delisting the gray wolf and handing management to the state has its share of contentious points. Proponents argue that with a robust population, Michigan is now fully equipped to manage gray wolves effectively, taking into account the balance necessary to maintain ecological stability and address potential conflicts with livestock and other species. However, there may be concerns from conservationists and citizen groups about future management practices, including hunting, that could arise if federal protections are lifted. The resolution also emphasizes the inclusion of diverse stakeholder input in the management plan developed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, which could mitigate some concerns about unilateral decision-making.
A resolution urging the United States Congress to enact legislation that would reinstate the Department of Interior’s prior removal of the gray wolf from the endangered species list, thus allowing gray wolf population management to be handled at the state level.
A concurrent resolution to urge the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, in coordination with the U.S. Department of the Interior and the federal government, to re-establish a viable and self-sustaining wolf population in the Lower Peninsula.
A concurrent resolution to oppose the designation of additional federal wilderness areas in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and to urge the United States Congress to declare the entire city of Ann Arbor a wilderness area.
A resolution to oppose the designation of additional federal wilderness areas in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and to urge the United States Congress to declare the entire city of Ann Arbor a wilderness area.
A bill to require the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to update the Post-delisting Monitoring Plan for the Western Great Lakes Distinct Population Segment of the Gray Wolf, and for other purposes.
A bill to require the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to reissue a final rule removing the gray wolf from the list of endangered and threatened wildlife under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
A bill to require the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to reissue a final rule removing the gray wolf from the list of endangered and threatened wildlife under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
Urging the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to withdraw its proposal to list the dunes sagebrush lizard under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
Economic development: other; SOAR fund; eliminate. Amends sec. 2 of 2000 PA 489 (MCL 12.252) & repeals sec. 4 of 2000 PA 489 (MCL 12.254). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0522'23
Economic development: other; SOAR fund; eliminate. Amends sec. 2 of 2000 PA 489 (MCL 12.252) & repeals sec. 4 of 2000 PA 489 (MCL 12.254). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0488'25
State management: funds; strategic outreach and attraction reserve fund; modify. Amends secs. 2 & 4 of 2000 PA 489 (MCL 12.252 & 12.254). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0559'23
State management: funds; strategic outreach and attraction reserve fund; modify. Amends sec. 2 & 4 of 2000 PA 489 (MCL 12.252 & 12.254). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5104'23
A resolution to urge the United States Department of Homeland Security to immediately release 56 million dollars in Federal Emergency Management Agency funds allocated to the state of Michigan.