Helena, Mont. (January 29, 2024) – The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) expresses its concerns in comments to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service on its recent listing and incidental take rule of the North American Wolverine. MSGA also urged the service to include agriculture to be included as part of the final 4(d) rule. The listing designates the wolverine as a threatened distinct population segment, which came into effect on January 2nd, 2024.
The final 4(d) rule, not in effect at this time, provides exceptions to the take prohibition in the case of forest management for fire prevention, research, and legal trapping of other species. Not included in the documents were incidental provisions for agriculture.
A large part of the North American wolverine’s habitat spans Montana. This listing has the potential to impact ranchers and their management practices for grazing in areas that are wolverine habitat.
MSGA comments noted, “We believe listing the wolverine without consideration of important exemptions for agriculture will have significant repercussions and will limit or eliminate management tools used by individuals who help to manage public and private lands.” Additionally, MSGA applauds Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks for their notice last week with their intent to sue over the wolverine listing.
The Montana Stockgrowers Association is a grassroots membership organization and is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers. With 140-years of history, MSGA advocates and ensures cattle ranching remains relevant, safe and a sustainable way of life for generations to come.
CONTACT:
Keni Reese
Director of Marketing & Communications
406-442-3420
To view more MSGA news, visit https://mtbeef.org/news
