House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) has led a letter to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Director Martha Williams and National Park Service (NPS) Director Charles Sams, seeking additional information regarding the translocation of grizzly bears in the state of Washington. The letter expressed concerns about the impact of reintroducing grizzly bears to the North Cascades ecosystem despite opposition from local communities and stakeholders.
The Committee raised issues with the Grizzly Bear Rule and related Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), highlighting that grizzly bear populations in certain ecosystems have already exceeded recovery goals. Despite this, reintroduction efforts are being pursued in areas like the North Cascades of Washington, disregarding local opposition and the previous decision to halt the restoration plan in the region.
Residents of Northern Washington have long opposed the reintroduction of grizzly bears due to potential risks to communities, wildlife, livestock, and crops. The Trump administration had previously decided against reintroducing grizzly bears to the North Cascades ecosystem. However, a recent announcement by USFWS and NPS revealed plans to actively reintroduce grizzly bears in the region, with a target population of 25 bears to be established through capturing three to seven bears per year.
The letter from Chairman Westerman criticized the Biden administration for allegedly prioritizing the demands of ecoactivists over the concerns of local residents, stating that the relocation of grizzly bears is not welcomed by those who would be directly impacted. The Committee's letter urged for transparency and consideration of local input in decisions regarding the relocation and reintroduction of grizzly bears in Washington State.
