Governor Richardson Signs Executive Order Banning Trapping in Mexican Wolf Recovery Area

Long-time Mexican wolf friend and advocate Governor Richardson has again acted on behalf of the lobo. An executive order today (July 28th) brings about three critical actions for the protection of wolves:

• Private trapping will be banned in the Blue Range Recovery Area beginning November 1st for six months.
• Requires the New Mexico Game and Fish Depart to study the risk trapping poses for Mexican wolves and then adjust trapping regulations accordingly
• Directs the Department of Tourism to study the economic benefits of ecotourism generated by the presence of Mexican wolves

This is truly some great news as countless individuals (many SWEC members) have joined the SWEC, the Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club, and WildEarth Guardians to remove the threat of trapping from the Mexican wolves’ only home in the wild.  Particular thanks should be given to WildEarth Guardians who worked closely with the Governor's office.

The economic benefits of wolves is something that the Southwest Environmental Center has been pushing for years (see wolf center research), and it is exciting to see that those benefits will receive wider attention.

Please thank the Governor

Governor Richardson has been a champion for wolves throughout his time in office, more so than any other western governor. Please take a moment to let him know that you appreciate his efforts. Call his office at (505) 476-2200 or send him an email (via his staff) at fran.lucero@state.nm.us. Tell him:

• Thank you for issuing an executive order banning traps in the Mexican wolf recovery area to protect wolves from accidental trapping
• Thank you for being a champion for Mexican wolves throughout your time in office.

And tell the next governor...

Unfortunately for wolves, Governor Richardson will be leaving office in six months. When you send an email, please cc the two candidates for Governor so they know how much people care about Mexican wolves:

* Diane Denish info@dianedenish.com
* Susanna Martinez info@susana2010.com

After you contact the Governor, please let us know you did by sending quick email to paul@wildmesquite.org. Our goal is to make sure he hears from at least 100 people