[All] Regarding Wolf culls in BC & lessons from Waterloo

[Louisette Lanteigne]

FYI - Just sent this to the BC premier and some folks from the lumber industry about the recent announcement that there will be a year around hunt for wolves in BC. 
We used to have wolves here in Waterloo Region but they were eradicated by man made hunts. Coyotes filled some of the void but the lumber industry in BC needs these animals around if they want to continue to harvest hardwoods. Details below for your reference.
To protect our local forests we need to protect our coyotes too. 
Lulu

--- On Sat, 9/3/11, Louisette Lanteigne <butterflybluelu at rogers.com> wrote:

From: Louisette Lanteigne <butterflybluelu at rogers.com>
Subject: Regarding Wolf culls
To: premier at gov.bc.ca, Brian.Simpson at gov.bc.ca, info at coastforest.org
Cc: info at findbcwood.com
Date: Saturday, September 3, 2011, 10:31 AM

Dear Premier
Recently I found out that there is going to be an open season on wolf hunting in BC and as a concerned resident of Ontario, I want to make sure you don't make the same mistakes seen here in my area, Waterloo Region.
Wolves were eradicated from Waterloo Region by way of culls
 and the coyotes from the south filled the void. It didn't reduce predation of farm animals because Coyotes will move in where the void is and they are less shy of people than wolves
 are. 
Wolves also play a key roll in protecting forests from overpopulation of deer. Coyotes mainly stick to smaller prey and will not successfully replace that function should wolf species decline. The overpopulation of deer is linked to a dramatic reduction in the regeneration of hardwood trees. Here is a report citing this fact: 
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110510161809.htm
Secondly, the eradication of top predators like wolves is linked to a steep decline in low nesting birds and amphibian species. Raccoon and skunks reproduce quickly but their numbers are controlled by wolves. Without the wolves the entire biodiversity of the forest system will be at risk by the overpopulation of faster breeding lower predators. This will also increase the associated risks of human/animal issues including damages to homes, garbage issues the spread of roundworm and rabies. I provide for you, a link to a report showing the decline of songbirds due to overpopulation of raccoon.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/07/030725080350.htm
Our nation relies upon the regenerative ability of our forest systems. We can't afford to loose a top forest predator without regard to the key function it plays in maintaining healthy forests, ecology and biodiversity. Without these animals there are associated risks and until a proper study is done to determine what their function is, we shouldn't proceed with giving the green light to a year around hunt. 
This isn't a topic of concern that should be limited
 to agricultural interests when clearly the stakes have wider reaching implications for society at large. Our lumber industries need to look at this too.  It is my hope the BC government will reconsider it's decision in light of these serious concerns.
 Thank you kindly for your time.
Louisette Lanteigne700 Star Flower Ave.Waterloo Ontario
N2V 2L2519-885-7619



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