This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The comments by Utah's Department of Natural Resources Director Michael Styler comparing wolf sightings to the reintroduction of the Tyrannosaurus rex in Utah are quite humorous ("Natural Resources director compares wolf to 'T. rex,'" Tribune, Feb. 9). He must have seen all of the "Jurassic Park" movies too many times.
As a proponent of the reintroduction of wolves into Utah, I understand the concerns of livestock owners. These are matters that can be resolved. Ranchers have available to them a government compensation program for depredation of livestock.
There are also positive results to be considered. Since the reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone, the park has seen increases in river bed vegetation, which reduces erosion, due to the natural culling of elk and their increased migration around the park. It's a win-win relationship.
For hunters who have a smaller elk quota based on a reduced population, I say, doesn't that increase the excitement of the hunt?
I would love to see Utah's original wildlife population exist as it was meant to be. Let's work this out for the good of everyone.
Scott Dudevoir
Heber City