REINTRODUCTION OF WOLVES INTO OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
The 6th Congressional District consists of the Olympic National Park surrounded by a rim of national, state and private forest land and an outer rim of populated land. The 6th District has been designated as a United Nations World Heritage Biosphere Site. Indeed, the unique geographic and biologic diversity is the reason I chose to live in Sequim. I believe that most of us who live in this district have a similar love for the environment and want to see it preserved. Few of the present residents of the district recall the days when wolves roamed the timberland of this district. There have been calls recently for the reintroduction of wolves to the Olympic National Park.
At first glance, the extinction of wolves in this area might seem to be a loss for the environment. When we look at it from the point of view of our local civilization however, that is not the case. A series of public hearings within the last year demonstrated that the residents of the communities surrounding the Olympic National Park overwhelmingly oppose the reintroduction of wolves into the park. The residents’ reasoning is sound.
With the reintroduction of wolves into the park, there will be a new endangered species that will impact the property rights of timber owners and residents alike. Timber owners will have one more bureaucratic hurdle to go over as they strive to keep their businesses open. Residents will need to ask permission of one more group before they are able to plan the details of their private homes.
The free roaming predators will endanger pets and livestock, especially during times of reduced population of natural prey. The mere existence of wolves within the park will reduce the number of visitors to the area, impacting the tourism industry. It is understandable how families with small children would choose to go elsewhere when searching for a destination for a family camping trip, if wolves are roaming the area.
There is considerable question as to whether it is even feasible to reintroduce a viable population of wolves into the park. A $300,000 study was recently completed and concluded that the reintroduction of 56 wolves in the park would produce a population that may die out due to inbreeding.
While the plan to reintroduce the wolf to the Olympic National Park has been placed on the back burner, the major supporter of the plan remains anxious to activate the plan as soon as possible. US Rep Norm Dicks, Democratic Congressman representing the 6th District, was quoted in the Peninsula Daily News on March 5, 1999. “I recognize the opposition” (his own constituents). “I still believe it’s the right thing to do, but it’s just not politically feasible at this time.” Despite the biological and political implications, “I hope that some day in the future we can do it” Mr. Dicks explains.
Reviewing the above-noted article convinces me that Norm Dicks has been in Washington, DC for too long; he is out of touch with the people of this district and needs to be replaced. I have filed as a Libertarian candidate for his seat in Congress and am opposed to the reintroduction of wolves to the Olympic National Park for biological and social reasons. Wolves would be an endangered species when reintroduced; their presence would impact the property rights of everyone near the park. This district is having enough trouble with owls and salmon; we do not need wolves, too.
Please vote for me in September and November of the Year 2000 so that I can take this perspective to Washington, DC, and argue this point of view with the other Members of the Congress of the United States. Discuss this issue with friends and acquaintances and let them know my name. If at all possible, please support my campaign with your most generous donation to: