Local News

Smith proposes legislation for citizens to defend against predators

By NCBI
Jan 23, 2013

Sen. John Smith, R-Colville, is leading the charge in the state Senate to resolve ongoing issues regarding the reintroduction of wolves to Washington. He has introduced a package of three bills that would address the transition of wolf integration and conflict management, and give new authority to individuals and county officials concerning the management of wolves and other predators.

"This is an issue that is not going to go away on its own," Smith said. "The solution, however, is about proper transition, not annihilation."

Senate Bill 5193 would establish a plan to address large wild carnivore conflict management as the number of confirmed wolf packs continues to rise. Smith suggests that proper management is best for all wild species, and wolves are no exception.

Senate Bill 5188 is a measure that would authorize county commissioners to use lethal force against wolves if an imminent threat to commercial livestock is declared.

"SB 5188 is about empowering the local government, at the county level, with the authority to address immediate threats," Smith said.

Senate Bill 5187 proposes a change to state law that would give people - such as a property owner or an immediate family member, or someone who works for or represents a property owner - the authority to kill an animal predator that is threatening human safety or causing property damage as defined by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission.

However, Smith said, these bills are not only about protecting the rights and livelihoods of individual ranchers; the potential for damage is far more widespread.

"The 7th District boasts core natural resource and agriculture industries that act as a major economic driver for our state. The livestock industry in Stevens County yields a 50 million dollar economic benefit to our state. When you combine the counties in the northeast corner of the state, the numbers rise to hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of value.

"There is a direct correlation between the state of our economy and the number of available jobs," Smith explained. "It is my goal to protect the current number of jobs in this state and help build a stronger economy where new jobs are plentiful."

The bills have been referred to the Senate Natural Resources and Parks Committee, of which Smith is vice chairman; they are scheduled to be heard Jan. 29 at 1:30 p.m.


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