No Grizzlies in North Cascades Pt 1
I’m Bob Larson. No Grizzlies in the North Cascades. That was the word last week when Secretary of the Interior, David Bernhardt gave his final decision on the North Cascades Ecosystem Grizzly Bear Restoration Plan.U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse, who was in Omak for the Secretary’s announcement, says it’s been a long time coming …
NEWHOUSE … “As you know, that’s been an ongoing issue for several years and I’ve been very engaged in this issue, and listening to my constituents have voiced my strong opposition to it.”
Newhouse says he’s been fighting against the reintroduction of Grizzlies for several years …
NEWHOUSE … “It originally started with the Obama Administration. They were planning to bring these bears into the north-central part of the state which is not only against Washington State law, but is not based on sound science.”
On top of that, Newhouse says we have to another predator population to worry about …
NEWHOUSE … “In that part of our state, we already have an apex predator, as you know, the Gray Wolf is quite prominent and adding another strain to our communities and the agricultural industry I did not think was something we should do at this time.”
Newhouse says the decision came down to the homeowners, farmers, ranchers, and small businesses who were heard loud and clear.
Listen tomorrow for more.