Staff Reports
In a controversial move that has alarmed rural communities, the Biden administration has proposed a radical plan to reintroduce grizzly bears into a forest area in Washington. Various livestock and agriculture industry groups, including the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Public Lands Council (PLC), and American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), have united to vehemently oppose this seemingly imprudent scheme. They argue that the introduction of these formidable predators would have catastrophic consequences for their members and the local communities they serve.
Biden admin plan to release 7 grizzly bears annually near rural communities faces widespread backlash: ‘Broad diet means they can harm anyone’ https://t.co/fKhQnTLy68 pic.twitter.com/g5kIebCVvl
— New York Post (@nypost) November 16, 2023
Incoming NCBA president Mark Eisele, a steadfast Wyoming rancher, did not hold back in expressing his concerns. He asserted that releasing grizzly bears into Washington is a grave mistake that poses a direct threat to the safety of hardworking farmers and ranchers. Eisele emphasized the apparent lack of understanding among distant bureaucrats regarding the havoc this decision could unleash. He urged the Biden administration to listen to the voices of rural residents and reconsider this seemingly reckless plan.
PLC president Mark Roeber, a knowledgeable Colorado rancher, emphasized the significantly heightened danger posed by grizzly bears compared to black bears, stating that they are 20 times more perilous. This, he argued, could have severe implications for various sectors, including corn producers, orchards, cattle ranchers, and sheep ranchers. Drawing from his own experiences of livestock depredation due to gray wolf populations near his ranch, Roeber stressed that the rapid introduction of grizzly bears to a new environment should not be taken lightly.
The federal government's proposal, which garnered support from left-wing groups, envisions releasing up to seven grizzly bears annually into the North Cascades National Park over the next five to ten years, aiming to establish a population of around 200 bears in the coming decades. However, the NCBA, PLC, AFBF, and local affiliates highlighted the severe economic repercussions for ranch and farm families, along with increased risks to human safety.
The Chelan County Board of Commissioners, a local governing body near the National Cascades Ecosystem, echoed their opposition to the grizzly bear reintroduction, underscoring the lack of engagement with local government by federal agencies. States such as Montana and Idaho have also expressed concerns, casting doubt on the viability of the federal government's proposal.
In conclusion, the Biden administration's decision to revisit plans for reintroducing grizzly bears is viewed by many as reckless and perilous. Calls for common sense and a reconsideration of this potentially thoughtless proposal are resonating strongly, emphasizing the need for a more measured and well-informed approach.
