Grizzlies in the North Cascades: The public has a week to submit comments to the National Park Draft Plan – Environmental Impact Statement at this link:
https://parkplanning.nps.gov/commentForm.cfm?documentID=132104
OPAC has submitted their support for Alternative A – No Action. See below:
Thank you for this opportunity to comment on this proposal.
Olympic Public Access Coalition supports Alternative A – No Action.
1) Grizzlies are reported to be in the North Cascades. They have been there for decades.
2) The North Cascades has proven to not have an adequate food source. Otherwise, there would be more grizzlies. Additional grizzlies will decimate the elk and deer in the area, then starve.
3) In 1995, Washington State created legislation (RCW.77.12.035), declaring, “grizzly bears shall not be transplanted or introduced into the state.”
4) This plan is a product of the US Fish and Wildlife, but takes place within National Park Service boundaries. National Park Service policy prohibits extirpated species from being reintroduced that pose a threat to park personnel.
5) As the population grows and disburses across the region, human and bear conflicts that arise, and will arise, will be mitigated disproportionately against the human environment and will have a direct impact to present and potential recreational opportunities.
6) A comprehensive impact study of management options on recreation has not been performed in the Draft Environmental Impact Study.
Respectfully,
Olympic Public Access Coalition
Board of Governors
