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MISSOULA, Montana | Aug 3, 2011
Federal Judge Donald Molloy upheld a congressional rider Wednesday that removed Endangered Species Act protections from wolves in Idaho and Montana.
The ruling will allow wolf hunting seasons set to begin next month to proceed as planned.
Molloy, previously ruled against two federal rules that delisted wolves and criticized Congress, saying the so-called wolf rider attached to a federal spending bill last May undermined and disrespected the rule of law.
"Inserting environmental policy changes into appropriations bills may be politically expedient, but it transgresses the process envisioned by the Constitution by avoiding the very debate on issues of political importance said to provide legitimacy," he wrote.
Federal Judge Donald Molloy upheld a congressional rider Wednesday that removed Endangered Species Act protections from wolves in Idaho and Montana.
The ruling will allow wolf hunting seasons set to begin next month to proceed as planned.
Molloy, previously ruled against two federal rules that delisted wolves and criticized Congress, saying the so-called wolf rider attached to a federal spending bill last May undermined and disrespected the rule of law.
"Inserting environmental policy changes into appropriations bills may be politically expedient, but it transgresses the process envisioned by the Constitution by avoiding the very debate on issues of political importance said to provide legitimacy," he wrote.
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Photo by Living with wolves
Previous history
Judge Molloy struck down a similar delisting plan implemented in 2009 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Molloy ruled at the time that the agency had violated the Endangered Species Act by treating Montana and Idaho wolves differently from those in Wyoming. Molloy held that they all had to be managed together as a single population.
Molloy again rejected the delisting plan in April when it was presented as a negotiated settlement between the federal government and 10 conservation groups. Several other environmental organizations continued to oppose it.
Just days later, Congress voted to override Molloy's decision and put the Fish and Wildlife Service's plan into effect.
Judge Molloy struck down a similar delisting plan implemented in 2009 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Molloy ruled at the time that the agency had violated the Endangered Species Act by treating Montana and Idaho wolves differently from those in Wyoming. Molloy held that they all had to be managed together as a single population.
Molloy again rejected the delisting plan in April when it was presented as a negotiated settlement between the federal government and 10 conservation groups. Several other environmental organizations continued to oppose it.
Just days later, Congress voted to override Molloy's decision and put the Fish and Wildlife Service's plan into effect.
9th August 2011
The story continues as some of the environmental groups ( Alliance for the Wild Rockies, Friends of the Clearwater and WildEarth Guardians) filed a notice of appeal to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The environmental groups are hoping to reverse Molloy's most recent ruling.
Read more
The story continues as some of the environmental groups ( Alliance for the Wild Rockies, Friends of the Clearwater and WildEarth Guardians) filed a notice of appeal to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The environmental groups are hoping to reverse Molloy's most recent ruling.
Read more
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30 August 2011
Alliance for the Wild Rockies filed for an injunction to stop the proposed hunts in Idaho and Montana. The injunction was denied.
Alliance for the Wild Rockies filed for an injunction to stop the proposed hunts in Idaho and Montana. The injunction was denied.
Photo by Living with wolves
Hunting commences in Montana
Hunting in Montana commences on the 3rd September 2011.
The hunt is to continue throughout the winter months and a quoata of 220 wolves was set. Killing by hunting trapping and bowhunting. Bow hunting for 42 days from 3rd September 2011.
Hunting in Montana commences on the 3rd September 2011.
The hunt is to continue throughout the winter months and a quoata of 220 wolves was set. Killing by hunting trapping and bowhunting. Bow hunting for 42 days from 3rd September 2011.
Wolves killed to date in Montana since the commencement of this years season:
Days up to Number
28 December 2011 120 killed
Days up to Number
28 December 2011 120 killed
The Commission has extended the hunting season through February 15th or until the quota of 220 is filled.
