Zinke Supports Reintroduction of Grizzlies in Washington State: Livestock Groups Respond

WASHINGTON (March 23, 2018) – Today the Public Lands Council (PLC), National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA), and Washington Cattlemen’s Association (WCA) issued the following statements in response to the Department of the Interior’s announcement in support of introducing Grizzly Bears in the Washington North Cascades:

“We are extremely disappointed with the Department of the Interior’s support to introduce Grizzly Bears to the North Cascades of Washington. For more than a year we have heard the Secretary talk about being a better neighbor, but unfortunately actions speak louder than words. Reintroducing as many as 200 man-eating predators into an area already reeling from exploding gray wolf populations is anything but neighborly. This decision won’t just impact ranchers – it’s a blow for the entire North Cascades ecosystem, the safety of locals and visitors, and the local economy, too. In fact, the only beneficiaries of an action like this will be the radical environmental activists that support this type of ill-advised ecosystem tinkering.” – Ethan Lane, PLC and NCBA Federal Lands Executive Director 
“The idea of dumping man-eating Grizzly Bears from helicopters into Washington National Parks has not been well thought out.  Once the Grizzly Bears walk out of the park into rural towns and private and state lands, the communities surrounding the recovery area can be greatly impacted. Already the livestock community has had little to no help with the management and recovery of wolves in the North Cascades, and cannot accept and welcome another federally listed apex predator with no monetary help from the federal government. What is the reasoning behind thinking a recovery like this can be accomplished without the support of the ranching, logging, recreation, and natural resource based communities or consideration for public safety?” – Sarah Ryan, WCA Executive Vice President 

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The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America's cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy.  As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef.  Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.

The Public Lands Council (PLC) represents public lands ranchers in Washington, D.C. Since 1968, PLC has worked with Congress and the federal land management agencies to maintain a stable business environment in which livestock producers can conserve the West and feed the nation and world. Visit www.publiclandscouncil.org to learn more.

The Washington Cattlemen's Association (WCA) is a statewide non-profit trade organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the beef industry through producer and consumer education, legislative participation, regulatory scrutiny, and legal intervention. Learn more at www.washingtoncattlemen.org.