MISSOULA, Mont. –-(Ammoland.com)- The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals today affirmed the constitutionality of Congress’ removal of wolves from the federal endangered species list.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation applauded the decision.
Attorneys representing RMEF and other conservation groups had presented oral arguments supporting the Congressional action, wolf delisting and science-based, state-regulated management and control of wolf populations.
“This is a huge win for real wildlife management in the U.S.,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “We’re thrilled with the favorable ruling because it upholds the law as well as science and common sense. This decision helps clear the way for continued work by true conservationists to balance wolf populations with other wildlife and human needs.”
Allen suspects the plaintiffs will appeal their case to the U.S. Supreme Court.
He said, “I’m hopeful that a Congressional act, multiple courtroom defeats and an American public that is clearly tired of this legal wrangling will encourage our opponents to give up and cede responsible wolf management to conservation professionals in each state. But we’ll have to wait and see.”
RMEF continues to fight wolf lawsuits and support delisting legislation at both federal and state levels.
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that has protected or enhanced habitat on over 6 million acres—an area larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain, and Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined. RMEF also is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management, and conservation policy issues. RMEF members, partners, and volunteers working together as Team Elk are making a difference all across elk country. Join us at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.