Madison, WI - Today, Governor Evers vetoed SB139/AB137, a bill that would have forced the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to establish a wolf population goal. This bill was met with numerous opposition, as it would undo a key piece of the long-overdue update to the wolf management plan with a science-based approach. Many groups and citizens, including the tribes of Wisconsin, reviewed the plan and opposed the bill.
In response, Sierra Club Wisconsin Director Elizabeth Ward released the following statement:
“We applaud Governor Evers for vetoing this bill. Wisconsin’s adopted wolf management plan outlines an adaptive approach to overseeing the wolf population, which is consistent with other species such as black bears and white-tailed deer and has been used for years without concern by the Wisconsin DNR. This bill sought to circumvent the multi-year analysis, stakeholder engagement, scientific research, and public comment processes that the DNR has undergone to put together the draft plan.
“We thank the Governor for protecting a scientific method of managing Wisconsin’s wolves, an approach supported by the public and many Wisconsin tribes. This was the right decision for Wisconsin.”