A Note from our Executive Director
Dear Advocates,
I am growing more concerned about the current state of wildlife conservation and management systems in our country. As many of you feel that pit in the stomach feeling each time a wolf hunt feels closer, we are there with you.
The current systems (DNR, NRB, USFWS) most often favor certain stakeholders that wish to harm wildlife, rather than ensuring that wildlife belongs to everyone. As a concerned organizer and citizen myself, I understand that this is an uphill battle, but a battle that we must fight in order to protect our natural resources. I am grateful for all of the work that everyone at Great Lakes Wildlife Alliance does to protect our wildlife, and continue to be grateful for all of you.
It is important to dismantle the current systems that do not support wildlife conservation, and replace them with new systems that are fair and just for all stakeholders. Only then can we ensure that our wildlife is protected for future generations. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to support you, the backbone of Great Lakes Wildlife Alliance.
I also wanted to take a moment to express my admiration for everyone’s bravery in speaking truth to power. It takes a lot of courage to stand up for what we believe in, especially when it comes to protecting our wild animals and wild places. Thank you for all that you do to make a difference. Let’s continue to fight for the things that matter most.
We have a lot to do before the end of the year, and I want to emphasize the importance of continuing to donate to ensure that wildlife belongs to everyone. With your help, we can work towards protecting endangered species and preserving their natural habitats. Your contributions are critical to making a positive impact on our environment and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the beauty of hearing a wild wolf howl on our shared public lands.
Wildlife is facing a variety of threats in addition to our own politics, including habitat destruction, climate change, and poaching. By donating to conservation efforts, you can help combat these issues and make a real difference in the world. Your support will go towards providing resources for advocates, and educating the public on the importance of wildlife preservation.
We email you because we do not take your contributions for granted — we depend on them to power our work. Every $20, $50, or $100 gift means we can continue our fight to ensure that wildlife belongs to everyone. It’s been a hard year for fundraising, and we understand why. We’re humbled by the generosity of our donors in the face of economic uncertainty and an abundance of worthy causes.
None of our victories — past, present or future — would be possible without supporters like you. Thank you for offering your time, energy, and money to partner with us in this fight.
Wisconsin Wolf Management Plan and Administrative Rules Update
As a wolf advocate, it’s crucial to stay informed about the Wisconsin Wolf Management Plan and Administrative Rules. These plans and rules play a significant role in the management and conservation of wolves in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is responsible for managing the state’s wolf population, which is estimated to be around 1,000 individuals. The DNR’s Wolf Management Plan outlines the objectives and strategies for managing the wolf population in Wisconsin, but it is far too hunter centric.
The primary goal of the plan is to maintain a sustainable wolf population while addressing conflicts between wolves and humans. It also aims to promote public understanding and appreciation of wolves and their ecological role. At least that is the claim.
The Wolf Management Plan also outlines specific guidelines for when and how lethal control can be used. For example, lethal control may be used when wolves are causing significant damage to livestock or when they pose a threat to human safety. But we know wolves only affect a very small number of farmers (<20 a year) and the casualties resulting from this lethal control will not be factored into the quota for a recreational wolf hunt if wolves are delisted.
The Administrative Rules provide guidance on how wolves can be hunted. While hunting wolves is controversial among wolf advocates, these Administrative Rules provide specific guidelines for how hunting can be done sustainably and safely. They are currently on the way to Governor Evers desk.
We still have time to still ensure wolves have the best outcome possible into the future, and right now it is more important than ever to stay informed. Your recent participation in the process will not fall on deaf ears and may help to reform the current process ensuring the plan reflects public comment and science. By understanding this, advocates can work to ensure that wolf management in Wisconsin is done in a way that is sustainable and safe for both wolves and humans.
Great Lakes Wildlife Alliance will continue to monitor and critique these plans and rules to ensure that wolf management in Wisconsin is done in a way that is fair, safe, and sustainable. As always, we will insist that democracy and transparency be reflected in all wildlife management plans.
HOWLS OF THANKS to the Girl Scout Troop at Lake Bluff Elementary in Shorewood!
All of us here at Great Lakes Wildlife Alliance would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Girl Scout Troop at Lake Bluff Elementary for raising $300 to help wolves and wildlife in Wisconsin. This troop has proven to be big animal lovers and advocates for wildlife, and their generous donation will go a long way to helping wildlife in need.
We also would like to take this opportunity to recognize this troop for their dedication and hard work in raising funds for several causes close to their hearts. It is inspiring to see young people taking an active role in making a positive impact on the world around them. We hope this donation serves as inspiration for others to get involved in their communities and contribute to causes they are passionate about!
Great Lakes Wildlife Alliance belongs to a nationwide coalition of groups who work together to stop attacks the Endangered Species Act and the species it aims to protect.
Over the last month, we have joined or fellow partnering organizations in signing onto the following letters. We believe that these efforts are critical to the future of our planet and are committed to doing everything in our power to ensure their success:
- Opposition Letter to Endangered Whale Rider in NDAA
- Opposition to H.R. 5504, to require the Director of the USFWS and the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries of the NOAA to withdraw proposed rules relating to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and for other purposes.
- Letter Supporting Rodenticide Mitigations and urging the EPA to finalize a strong herbicide strategy framework to protect endangered species and the environment from pesticide pollution
We are pleased to be part of this nationwide coalition strongly believe that by joining forces, we can make a significant impact in preserving our planet’s wildlife and their ever-so-fragile habitats.
NOVEMBER ADVOCACY CALENDAR
Our new Advocacy Calendar will help you prioritize your important voice for wolf and wildlife conservation. Get notified of upcoming events including: DNR meetings, legislative hearings, webinars, Fireside Chats, our special events, and the events of our partnering organizations. You can even integrate this calendar into your own!
Thursday, November 2 @ 6:00 PM
Natural Resources Board Meeting Review + Introducing our New Shared Advocacy Calendar
Thursday, November 16 @ 6:00 PM
Federal and State Endangered Species Law and the Public Trust
Thursday, November 30 @ 6:00 PM
Failures of State Wildlife Management
Great Lakes Wildlife Alliance is thrilled to announce that a generous donor has agreed to TRIPLE your donation until and including Giving Tuesday this year. That means for every $100 you give between now and November 28th, this anonymous donor will give $300 toward protecting wolves and wildlife of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region.
Unfortunately, with the passing of the new Wisconsin Wolf Management Plan and the constant threat of federal delisting, our wolves will be facing another set of unprecedented challenges in the coming year.
Your generous contribution, no matter the size, will make a tangible difference in our fight to prevent another devastating hunt for our wolves.
With your help, we can to continue working toward victories like our lawsuit which blocked the 2021-2022 wolf hunt, and fighting to keep wildlife protected from being hounded and harassed on our public lands.
Thank you for being a part of our journey to empower change and create a better future for our future generations and wildlife. We look forward to your support this year for Giving Tuesday!
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