This letter is about the failed initiative to end wolf reintroduction in Colorado. Donald Trump narrowly won the 2024 presidential race by only 1.5 percentage points, yet he has proclaimed that he has an overwhelming national mandate for his agenda. In Colorado, wolf reintroduction narrowly won in 2020 by 1.8 percentage points, which beats Trump’s margin. 

Following Trump’s lead, that means wolf reintroduction has an overwhelming state mandate. Do you sense my tone is “tongue-in-cheek?” The wolf opposers’ constant whining has grown tiresome. So has Sky-Hi News’ photos of depredated cattle. 

I voted for and support wolf reintroduction because I understand the scientific biological fact that apex predators are critical to all healthy ecosystems, land and water. I commend the exemplary job Colorado Parks and Wildlife has done with planning and implementing wolf reintroduction. They consulted wolf experts and all stakeholders, including ranchers, were well represented in the process. 

Being a retired natural resource manager, I gave input to all stages of the plan’s development and have closely followed its implementation. I no longer eat beef because of the ongoing scientifically proven negative impacts of global cattle ranching on climate change and deforestation. I encourage others concerned about earth’s environmental future to do the same.