Federal Government faces Lawsuit for failing to come up with Updated Mexico-wolf Recovery Plan

The Federal government is facing a lawsuit for not being able to update its Mexican-wolf recovery plan. The Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Attorney General's Office has filed the case alleging the secretary of the Department of Interior and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has failed in their duty to come up with an updated recovery plan to guide Mexican wolf recovery.

The secretary of the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service were asked for a modern plan that can increase Arizona’s involvement in recovery efforts. Also, the plan should utilize the best resources and technology as legally required by the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

“The Service is currently in litigation with special interest groups and settlement discussions could possibly occur without our knowledge or involvement, as has occurred in previous Mexican wolf lawsuits”, said Robert Mansell, chair of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.

The Game and Fish Department has requested a number of times about an updated recovery plan from the Service. Changes are required in the current recovery plan that was developed in 1982. There are some loopholes in the plan and one of the main failings is identification of criteria needed to delist or down-list the sub-species of wolves from the ESA.

Arizona Game and Fish Department Director Larry Voyles said the US Fish and Wildlife Service is legally bounded to develop a proper science-based plan that has all the needed elements for successful recovery.