Dear Friend,

Federal actions this week make Wisconsin the frontline for wolf conservation. Wisconsin law requires state harvest if federal protections end; Act 169 and related statutes set the legal pathway for state seasons if delisting occurs. The DNR’s wolf guidance and 2023 management plan prioritize monitoring and non‑lethal conflict tools — protections that delisting would undermine unless the state lists wolves as threatened

GLWA’s June 2025 petition asks the Natural Resources Board to list wolves as state‑threatened to preserve science‑based management; read it and share it widely. Congress is considering bills and letters urging delisting; we must counter with public pressure and legal readiness.

Take three actions
1. Join Wildlife Wednesdays — bring testimony and help coordinate comments. November 12th 6pm 
2. Call Director Brian Nesvik at USFWS — demand a full, impartial review that follows administrative procedure and the best available science. 
3. Donate to support legal defense and monitoring; oppose riders in appropriations and the NDAA that would block protections.

Thank you for standing with Wisconsin’s wild legacy. See the attached fact sheet for sources and exact language to use

In solidarity, 

Federal delisting and the FWS decision to stop a national recovery plan put Wisconsin’s wolves at immediate risk. 

Key facts
– Verified conflicts: The DNR’s public depredation reports list confirmed and probable wolf depredations and an interactive map for 2024–25. 
– State petition filed: GLWA and partners filed a June 2025 petition asking Wisconsin to list gray wolves as state‑threatened to preserve protections. 
– Federal science capacity threatened: Congressional and Senate statements warn of proposed USGS cuts of roughly $564 million that would weaken monitoring and research capacity. 
– State plan emphasizes non‑lethal tools: Wisconsin’s 2023 Wolf Management Plan prioritizes science‑based monitoring and non‑lethal mitigation (fencing, guard dogs, reimbursements)”). 
– Past rapid hunts had major impacts: The expedited February 2021 hunt resulted in over 200 wolves killed in days, producing documented population declines and scientific concern. 
– Petition documents available: The full June 2025 petition and supporting materials are publicly posted for review. 
– Current population (late winter 2024–25): 1,226 wolves in 336 packs; DNR scientists note the population may be reaching equilibrium and remains range‑limited. 
– Lawmakers pressing delisting: Members of Congress have urged the FWS to delist wolves and return management to states. 
– Delisting bills reintroduced: Congressional bills to remove federal protections were reintroduced in 2025, framing delisting as “trust the science” legislation. 
– FWS statement: The agency recently concluded that “both listed gray wolf entities are no longer in need of conservation under the Act due to recovery,” and will not finalize a nationwide recovery plan. 
– Public and economic value: Local and national analyses place outdoor and park economic activity near $140 billion annually, underscoring wildlife’s economic role. 
– Measured public‑safety benefit: Peer‑reviewed research finds wolf recolonization reduces deer‑vehicle collisions and yields economic benefits far exceeding verified predation costs (benefit ≈ 63× predation