Since We Asked: Wolves At The Door? - November 21, 2004

Mail Tribune (Medford, OR — Wayback)

2004-11-26

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46 °F Forecast | Road Cams Thursday, November 25, 2004   Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery   SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries   Life   Opinion - Politics   Tempo   AP News   Weather   Classified   Archives   Site Map   SPECIAL SECTIONS   Since We Asked   Outdoor Journal   Menu Guide   How To Guide   Wellness Connection   Readers' Choice   Real Estate Showcase   Joy Magazine   Homelife Magazine   Wedding Guide   Passport to the Rogue Valley   EXTRA   Newspaper in Education   Personals   Movie Times   TV Times   E The People   MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad  eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities   Entertainment   Publications   Recreation   Calendar   CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit   Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend November 21, 2004 Since We Asked: Wolves At The Door? Gray wolves are on their way back to Oregon, migrating West years after being hunted out-of-existence in the state. Already, state officials are gathering the opinions of those who will be affected by the predators’ return — property and livestock owners, hunters, wildlife specialists — as to what should be done, if anything, when the wolves return. But, since no one has asked you, we did: "How involved should the state become in managing the expected migration of gray wolves back into Oregon?" Advertisement Your answers follow. After reading through them, please take a moment to answer this week’s new question. Oregon needs to hire more State Hunters to deal with them. — Mark K., Medford State control should be carefully watched, but in this case of a predator animal, help is probably needed for the public's sake. — Phyllis R., Central Point The state should follow the Wolf Conservation and Management plan that has been developed by a wide range of groups on both sides of the issue. — Vicki P., Cyberspace The state will be limited, to some degree, by it's inability to collect any kind of fees or taxes from the incoming wolves (no pockets). Nevertheless, it is extremely important that the wolves be screened at the border — for religious affiliation and sexual preference. We need to ensure that Equal Rights are protected, and reserved for only those individuals that meet our requirements. — Tom P., Medford They are already here, and have been managed quite well. I think they should be protected from the worst predator known ... man! — Helen B., Shady Cove They will have to be very involved from the Fish and Wildlife to ranchers and environmentalists. I sure don't envy them, it is a tough road ahead. I moved here from just north of Yellowstone Park and they are still trying to work it out. — Dennis W., Talent The state should be involved in as much to maintain the eco-balance. The wolves have no natural predators and could kill off to many deer and elk. We also need to be able to protect our livestock. — Lee, Ashland Rare, positive news! How wonderful that an endangered species is regaining strength! The wolves should be welcomed, with strict restrictions on hunting, trapping, etc. — G. Putnam, Medford If the state is going to get involved, why would the wolves want to migrate here? — Eugene M., Medford This Week’s Question A group called the Ashland Homeless Association has begun the process of asking the city to establish a permanent camp in which they could settle. Even before city officials rule on the proposal, the lines of debate are being drawn between natural empathy for the homeless, and the concerns about how such a camp would exist and be operated. We ask: "Should the city of Ashland consider establishing a permanent base camp for the homeless?" Please keep your answers brief and on the issue at hand. Responses received without your name and town can not be considered for publication. All responses will appear on the Web site a week from today. You may submit your answer by using the form here on the Web site, or you may respond directly to [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News  | Sports  | Business  | Obituaries  | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives  |  Site Map   E Southern Oregon  | Classified   Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback   ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities