Norton May Block Grizzlies’ Return
Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne and other state leaders applauded a report Wednesday that Interior Secretary Gale A. Norton intends to set aside a Clinton-era plan for reintroducing grizzly bears to the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness of Idaho and Montana.
But Kempthorne, a Republican who sued to stop the plan two days before President Bush took office, said he would remain on guard until there is a more concrete declaration.
“We’ve had some very good discussions with the secretary of Interior and with her staff. We do not have a conclusion at this point,” the governor said. “No final decision has been made, but I greatly appreciate the approach the secretary is taking on this very important issue.”
The Washington Post reported that Norton’s position reflects her determination to cooperate with governors. The secretary’s aides told the Post she remains committed to expanding grizzly populations in Yellowstone and Glacier national parks.
Most state officials in Idaho and many residents have battled for years to keep America’s largest predators away from their rural communities.
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