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March 15, 2024 – The Associates of the North Cascades Grizzly Bear Coalition celebrates in the present day as federal businesses greenlight a plan to carry grizzly bears again to the North Cascades Ecosystem.
The Nationwide Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have introduced the ultimate environmental affect assertion and grizzly bear reintroduction plan. The businesses’ determination to revive grizzlies to their historic homelands, the place they’re functionally extinct, is a big victory for wildlife and the individuals who cherish our wild landscapes. The choice is accompanied by a ten(j) rule that offers businesses flexibility underneath the Endangered Species Act to responsibly handle bears.
“We applaud the Nationwide Park Service and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for deciding to actively restore grizzly bears to North Cascades,” mentioned Susan Holmes, govt director of the Endangered Species Coalition. “As a keystone species, grizzly bears play an essential function within the ecology of their habitat, and we’re excited for his or her pending return to a spot the place they’ve lengthy been absent.”
The North Cascades Ecosystem holds one of the crucial distant and rugged mountain ranges within the nation and is one among solely two grizzly bear restoration areas with out a longtime inhabitants. The realm is one among North America’s premier intact ecosystems and is perfect habitat for grizzlies. Nonetheless, the final confirmed sighting of a grizzly bear was in 1996. Habitat fragmentation and the low numbers of grizzlies in close by populations make it extremely unlikely that grizzlies would naturally recuperate on this space.
“After years of advocacy the Higher Skagit Tribe seems ahead to the day the good bear returns to the rugged North Cascades which our individuals beforehand shared with Grizzlies for 1000’s of years,” mentioned Scott Schuyler, coverage consultant for the Higher Skagit Tribe, whose territory lies throughout the restoration zone. “We thank leaders on the Nationwide Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Division of Inside for his or her intention to revive a cultural icon within the North Cascades.”
Now, bears from wholesome supply populations can be translocated into the North Cascades over a number of years till an preliminary inhabitants of 25 is reached.
“The Snoqualmie Tribe is happy to listen to this information, and to know that this hard-fought effort to carry house grizzlies is near turning into a actuality,” mentioned Snoqualmie Indian Tribe Tribal Chairman Robert M. de los Angeles. “It is a essential second in historical past, with governments, organizations, and people working collectively to welcome grizzlies again after human motion eliminated them from their house. Snoqualmie thanks the management of our Congressional Leaders, the Nationwide Park Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service, and the Division of Inside for his or her persistent work and advocacy.”
For years, advocates in Washington state and past have weighed in supporting efforts to assist the declining inhabitants of grizzlies and reintroduce bears to their historic habitat. A latest ballot reveals that 85% of People help grizzly restoration within the North Cascades. Whereas 2023 public conferences did report some concern amongst Washington residents about dwelling close to grizzlies once more, the ten(j) rule responds to these considerations.
“The businesses have proven that they’re listening to native communities like ours by together with mandatory administration flexibility for a profitable reintroduction effort in the long term,” mentioned Jasmine Minbashian, govt director of Methow Valley Residents Council. “In jap Washington, human-bear coexistence initiatives are already in progress. With the precise assets centered on bear-smart infrastructure and schooling, rural communities could be a proud companion within the triumphant return of our majestic grizzly bears.”
A closing Document of Resolution can be signed following a legally-mandated 30-day ready interval. Discover extra data on the plan for North Cascades grizzly bear restoration from the Associates of the North Cascades Grizzly Bear Coalition at https://www.northcascadesgrizzly.org/
“I can’t consider higher information to usher within the promise of Spring than this historic step towards restoring grizzly bears to the North Cascades,” mentioned Paula MacKay, carnivore conservation specialist with Woodland Park Zoo. “As we await the ultimate Document of Resolution, the zoo is poised to advertise the long-term coexistence of thriving human communities and a wholesome grizzly bear inhabitants.”
“Immediately we rejoice our nationwide parks as locations the place wildlife thrives and ecosystems are made complete,” mentioned Theresa Pierno, president and CEO of the Nationwide Parks Conservation Affiliation. “For years, NPCA has labored tirelessly to carry grizzlies again to their historic homeland. The return of the grizzly bear to North Cascades Nationwide Park is an emblem of the ability of perseverance.”
“The grizzly bear is a essential a part of the ecological and cultural cloth of the North Cascades. They belong right here. With out them, our wild areas are diminished, much less various and sanitized. The narrative about Cascades grizzly bear restoration will take a long time to unfold. However with science, schooling and somewhat human tolerance, it may be one of many best conservation success tales of ours and future generations,” mentioned Joe Scott, worldwide program director for Conservation Northwest.
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