Decision invalidates gray wolf delisting rule

August 06, 2010 | By PACIFIC LEGAL FOUNDATION

Author: Daniel Himebaugh

As this blog predicted, Judge Donald Molloy of the District of Montana has vacated the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's 2009 rule delisting the Northern Rocky Mountain gray wolf distinct population segment (DPS).  The Service's rule had lifted ESA-related restrictions throughout Montana, Idaho, and parts of Washington, Oregon, and Utah.  Yesterday, however, Judge Molloy ruled in favor of several environmental groups, finding that the Service erred in delisting only portions of the DPS.

According to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, the decision means that some ranchers will no longer be able to kill wolves that prey on their livestock.  Furthermore, there will be no wolf hunting season, a tool that Montana and Idaho had been using to manage the wolf population.  The case is being covered here.