Salazar and Ashe Will Travel to Wyoming to Find Wolf Management Solution

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service official Daniel Ashe will travel to Wyoming within the next thirty days to discuss wolf management according to Senator John Barasso. The Wyoming republican senator announced on Tuesday that the Interior Department officials will meet with Governor Matt Mead and other Wyoming officials regarding ongoing wolf delisting negotiations.

In May, wolves were removed from endangered species act protections in five western states by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wyoming was not included because of a state law which would allow the animals to be shot on sight in most of the state. Federal protections will remain in place for the 340 wolves in Wyoming until Fish and Wildlife accepts a wolf management plan from the state.

Secretary Salazar committed to me today that he and Mr. Ashe would travel to Wyoming in the next thirty days to aggressively pursue a solution on this important issue. I appreciate the Secretary's commitment to resolving this issue quickly.
-Senator Barrasso

Barrasso added in his release that because of this commitment, he has decided to lift his hold on Ashe's nomination as Fish and Wildlife Director. Ashe, who is currently serving as Deputy Director, was nominated as Director by President Barack Obama in December of 2010.