Washington -- U.S. Representative Barbara Cubin (R-WY) today announced the time and location for a public meeting she requested from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).

On Thursday, April 19th, the FWS will host a public meeting to discuss the Department of Interior’s (DOI) proposal to delist the Northern Rocky Mountain Distinct Population Segment of (NRM DPS) of gray wolves.

“I am very pleased the FWS has worked with me to ensure the residents in Northwest Wyoming have an accessible venue to discuss the DOI’s proposal,” Cubin said.  “It is absolutely critical that the Wyoming citizens who have been so deeply impacted by wolves have ample opportunity to contribute to the delisting process.”

The meeting will be held at the Cody Auditorium from 3:00 – 5:00 and 6:00 – 8:00.  The earlier session is billed as an “open house,” during which FWS officials will be on hand to give short presentations and answer questions regarding the DOI proposal.  Beginning at 6:00, attendees will be invited to offer comments on the proposal. 

“The people in Northwest Wyoming have been massively impacted by the presence of gray wolves, and some of them have suffered a great deal,” Cubin said.  “They deserve a forum where they will have their questions answered and their comments heard.”

Concerned citizens who cannot attend the public hearing can also electronically submit comments on the DOI proposal at NRMGrayWolf@fws.gov.  The deadline for comment submission has been extended to May 9, 2007. 

“The extension of this public comment period truly reflects the importance and seriousness of this proposal,” Cubin said. “I have spoken to so many folks around the state who harbor very strong feelings about the wolves, and now is the time to make sure those opinions count.  I encourage everyone with a stake in this proposal to submit their comments.” 

For further information on the NRMDPS of gray wolves, visit the FWS’s website at http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/species/mammals/wolf/.