HELENA – A Republican lawmaker says Montana should assert its authority over wolf management, despite recent signs the federal government may be about to relinquish control.
Senate Bill 183 voids existing state and federal agreements about wolves. It would also compel the Montana attorney general’s office to seek compensation for wolf damages from the federal government.
The attorney general and the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks oppose the measure introduced by Republican Sen. Joe Balyeat of Bozeman.
The U.S. Interior Department decided to remove wolves from endangered species protections in the Northern Rockies and the Great Lakes region, but that decision has been held up by the Obama administration. The change would shift management from the federal government to the states.
Balyeat told lawmakers the bill would give Montana leverage for asserting control over wolves.