Markkanen Proposes Re-Establishing the Lower Peninsula Wolf Population Using Wolves from the Upper Peninsula

Michigan’s state house advanced Representative Greg Markkanen’s resolution seeking to re establish Michigan’s lower peninsula wolf population, using existing wolves from the Upper Peninsula, to committee. Representative Markkanen included in his statement on the resolution advancing that he often hears from lower peninsula residents express their support of wolves in the state, and urges the Department of Natural Resources to re establish the lower peninsula population by relocating as many of the upper peninsula 700 wolves as possible. Gray wolves in Michigan have held federal Endangered species protections since 1974. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Michigan DNR reintroduction efforts for wolves in the Upper Peninsula have led to a sustainable population, that has exceeded the original goal of bring the population up to a minimum of 200 animals. Wolves play key roles in improving ecosystems as a keystone species. Markkanen’s resolution will move to committee on natural resources Environment tourism, and outdoor recreation for further analysis, alongside the attached House Bill associated with the resolution.

Representative Greg Markkanen’s proposed House Bill 4102 to reestablish Michigan’s lower peninsula wolf population.

HB 4102 Official Michigan Bill Tracker