Rounds Seeks Solutions for Greater State and Local Input for Wildlife Management Decisions
Cites South Dakota- Specific Example of Federal Government Failing to Adequately Consider Local Perspective When Making Decisions
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today during a Fisheries, Water and Wildlife Subcommittee hearing questioned representatives of state fish and wildlife agencies on ways the federal government can do a better job partnering with state and local entities when making wildlife management decisions. Rounds specifically cited the overpopulation of elk in Wind Cave National Park and the inability of the federal government to work with South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks to find a solution to this ongoing problem.
“The debate over how to manage the elk population has now spanned several years in this particular case with no solution to the overpopulation of elk,” said Rounds during his questioning. “State officials know best how to manage wildlife in our state and they should be the chief decision makers when deciding how best to conserve our wildlife.”
Video of Rounds' Remarks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QRFlVbL7ZA
