Washington tribe rescinds offer to send Colorado 15 wolves
The Fence Post
Colorado Parks and Wildlife/Courtesy photo
Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirmed that the tribe that previously agreed to allow wolves to be translocated has rescinded their agreement. The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation say they won’t be sending 15 wolves from their reservation in Washington to Colorado in late 2024. In a June 6 letter to Parks and Wildlife Director Jeff Davis, the tribe cited concerns communicated to them by tribes in Colorado who have publicly objected to the release of wolves.
The letter reads in part, “It has come to our attention that necessary and meaningful consultation was not completed with the potentially impacted tribes. Out of respect for the sovereignty, cultures and memberships of Indian Tribes in Colorado and neighboring states, who may be impacted by this project, the Colville Tribes cannot assist with this project at this time.”
Parks and Wildlife spokesperson Rachael Gonzalez said the agency is expecting to move forward to “maintain and grow tribal relationships inside and outside of Colorado.”
Director Davis said Parks and Wildlife will continue to work with potential sources for wolves and to “restore a sustainable population of wolves to the state while avoiding and minimizing impacts to our critically important agricultural industries and rural communities.”
Idaho, Montana and Wyoming have refused to provide source wolves to Colorado.
