The Wolves are Back!
Governor Kitzhaber,
I know that you are a proud Oregonian. I share your vision for our great state. I, too want to live in a state that has clean water, fresh air and bountiful wildlife. A healthy environment must include a diversity from each niche of the biome: carnivores, herbivores and plants.
Let’s face it, we have never had such a large population of deer in our country. There simply aren’t enough predators to keep them in check. They are putting the our ecosystem in a dangerous position. The plants that these deer don’t eat are turning into expensive invasive weeds. You, more than any one, should know how many millions of dollars are spent on invasive weed control.
The voyage of Oregon wolf, OR7 now known as Journey, clearly shows how important saving the wilderness is for the preservation of wildlife. Journey has been tracked throughout Oregon and California since 2011. He has traveled hundreds of miles but sticks to roadless tracks of land, steering clear of human populations. The Roadless Area Conservation Rule that was passed in October of 2011 will help preserve these areas for future generations of wolves.
I am proud to be part of a state that has the courage to reintroduce wolves. In June of 2006, you, as acting governor, stepped up to the plate by announcing that you would put a temporary restaning order on the Forest Service’s attempt to log even more of the very forests that they are entrusted to protect. By protecting the forests, you have protected the wolves. I applaud your efforts. The story of Journey and his long awaited family members to our wild lands is a testament to the rewards of these efforts. Wolves are a part of the environmental team that has been missing for too long.
Signed,
Another Wild Oregonian