NM, feds reach agreement on wolf releases

NM, feds reach agreement on wolf releases Albuquerque Journal By Maddy Hayden The U.S. Fish and Wildlife (FWS), New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and Arizona Game and Fish Department signed a memorandum of agreement to “clarify the commitment” of each entity in determining the circumstances of wolf releases. The agreement states that “decisions regarding the timing, location and circumstances” of Mexican wolf releases will be based on input from both the federal and state agencies...The new recovery plan stipulates that population levels reach an average of at least 320 in the U.S. and 200 in Mexico for eight consecutive years to be taken off the endangered species list, along with other criteria. Once the species has recovered, management will be transferred from Fish and Wildlife to the state. At last count, 114 Mexican gray wolves were roaming the U.S., a growth of just one since the prior year. At least 51 of those live in New Mexico