Last Thursday the Michigan Natural Resources Commission approved a limited public wolf harvest in three distinct regions of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The commission adopted the regulations during its regular monthly meeting.

The new regulations establish a limited harvest of 43 wolves in three areas of the Upper Peninsula where said wolf/human conflicts, including depredation of livestock and pets and human safety concerns, have been persistent despite employing a number of control measures.

According to Natural Resources Commission Chairman J.R. Richardson, “The recovery of Michigan' wolf population has been a remarkable success story. Today's decision by the NRC supports ongoing scientific management of this game species, just as voters intended when by an overwhelming margin they approved Proposal G in 1996.”

But many in Michigan do not agree with him. Over 250,000 signatures (by Michigan residents) on a petition to not approve the wolf hunts were ignored by Michigan Governor, Rick Snyder. Another major opponent to the wolf hunts were several Michigan Indian tribal leaders. Native Protesters also gathered outside the Michigan capitol earlier this year to proclaim their disagreement.

The reactions by three tribal leaders were swift to proclaim their displeasure to the Michigan Natural Resources Commission's action. They are as follows below:

Reaction by Tribal Chairman Aaron Payment, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians:

"I am deeply disturbed by the Michigan legislature enacting legislation that is NOT based on science and the manner in which this legislation barreled down a path through a one party house, senate and governorship.


At our recent State Tribal Accord meeting between the Governor and all 12 Michigan tribes, I cautioned the governor to not sign the bill given our culture, science, and conservation concerns. I specifically said, "The legislature may ignore the 60,000 or so indigenous people of Michigan, but Governor, please don't ignore the 225,000 Michigan citizens who signed the referendum."

The State -Tribal Accord was set up to facilitate better government to government relations. I have tried repeatedly to get a meeting with the Governor to share our concerns. At this point, I am questioning the wisdom of my participation in an Accord where our input is not sought nor included and decisions that affect our shared resources are made unilaterally."


Reaction by Tribal Councilor Belinda Bardwell, Little Bay Bands of Odawa Indians:

"As a tribal leader AND voter in the state of Michigan, I am completely in awe of the shear disregard to treaty rights, compact agreements, science, and the voice of over 200 thousand REGISTERED voters our governor and lawmakers could have. One should question their agenda when policies and laws are passed with such swiftness and callousness."

Reaction from former Tribal Chairman Derek Bailey, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians:

"Michigan made a rash political decision that is not supported by sound science, nor does it comply with the state's own management plan upon which the federal "de-listing" was premised. Compared to Minnesota and Wisconsin, very few predation incidents have been documented in Michigan and a process already exists for targeted elimination of these animals. The hunt authorized by the Michigan Natural Resource Commission is extremely risky to the sustainability of this important species, especially considering that two years ago these wolves were still designated as an endangered species."

Isle Royale National Park in Michigan has one of the world's most closely monitored predator populations of gray wolves. The park consist of a chain of islands. Unfortunately the wolves there are now at their lowest number in more than a half-century. Scientists say it is highy possible that they could die out within a few years.

Isle Royale is a federal wilderness area where hunting and trapping are strictly prohibited. Because of this it is the wolf's greatest refuge in the world. It's the only place on earth wher they have never been killed by human beings. The island is also populated by moose which are believed to have crossed over by swimming from the Canadian mainland in the early 20th century. With no known predators at that time, the island's balsam firs, aspens and other trees were severely overbrowsed by the overpopulated moose population.

But in 1950, a pack of wolves crossed over on a ice bridge and eventually formed several wolf packs that began to keep the moose numbers in check. The wolves are now however at a grave risk of extinction on this island because of a big reduction in numbers. Their numbers had dropped from an already low number of 16 to just 9 last year. The only intact pack left has only six members. One wolf wanders alone, while a wolf couple with the only known female have staked out territory and apparently mated.

This drastic reduction in numbers is apparently the result of several factors. First a shortage of females has cut the birth rate, and second, the breakdown of several packs has boosted inbreeding and weakened the gene pool. With the reduction of wolves, the moose population is again spiraling out of control. Last year it went from 515 to 750 moose. The health of the island could be at risk again.

This has caused a debate as to whether the National Park Service should intervene. Some are saying to leave the wolves alone and hope that they will be able to make a come back. If the wolf pair has a healthy litter this spring that include females there is hope that another pack will be formed and more in the future. Others are suggesting that outside wolves should be brought in to strengthen the gene pool and increase the numbers more quickly than nature can.

There is also little chance that outside wolves can cross on an ice bridge to the islands on their own in the future as a male did in the late 1990's because a recent study has found that the Great Lakes ice cover has declined 71 percent over the past 40 years. Because this island chain has become so isolated, it presents a very unique problem. In this case it might just be one of the few exceptions for man to intervene.