A few weeks ago, Senate Democrats brought an Environment Policy bill to the floor that mainly focused on several technical changes but failed to address many issues affecting folks across the state. One big issue remains unaddressed in this bill, and that’s the growing wolf population.
The growth of the wolf population has been a hot topic throughout the years. Many of those in rural areas have reported seeing wolves coming further south, while simultaneously seeing fewer deer during hunting seasons. This has increased concerns for farmers, homeowners, and families. As wolf numbers grow and wolves continue to become more comfortable around humans, that puts cattle, pets, and even young children at risk.
To provide some context, wolves were once nearly eradicated from the lower 48 states, which is why they were protected under the Endangered Species Act in 1970. At that point, there were estimated to be between 1,000-2,000 wolves in Minnesota. A report by The Wolf Center on wolf population expansion noted Minnesota’s wolf population grew to around 2,400 in the late-90s, which put numbers close to double the federal government’s goal for delisting. The goal of the Act was to preserve and save endangered species, and Minnesota achieved that goal. We should be proud that the plan worked and continue to reinforce scientific solutions to maintain the population without allowing it to become excessive.
Unfortunately, when it comes to the possibility of a wolf hunt, Democrats have been incredibly clear: it will not happen. In fact, one Democrat Senator from the metro area brought forward a bill to completely disallow a wolf hunt altogether, claiming that it isn’t a good way to manage the wolf population. A Republican Senator offered an amendment that would have authorized a wolf hunt to take place. Currently, federal trappers are called in when wolf packs get too close to heavily populated areas, but these folks have too many calls to be able to deal effectively with populations in more rural areas. With farmers, hunters, and residents expressing concerns over this issue, the unchecked growth must be addressed sooner rather than later. I am in full favor of allowing the DNR to hold a managed wolf hunt. Wolves are already killing livestock cattle, and we can’t wait until someone gets hurt. Both amendments failed.
One positive point to note is that Democrats accepted one of my amendments that addressed concerns with septic tanks. Some may have heard about the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) officials taking issue with weep holes in septic tanks, so I introduced an amendment to address that issue. During winter months, when tanks are stored before installation, weep holes are drilled to let moisture drain out so the tanks do not have water freeze and crack them. However, before these tanks are installed, the holes are patched over with rubber tape and a layer of cement – they are incredibly secure and are not damaging in any way.
Recently and seemingly out of nowhere, the MPCA has taken issue with weep holes even though they have been utilized for years. Thousands of these tanks are currently in safe and reliable use across the state and would need to be dug out of the ground to address the issue, yet there was no discussion about who would bear the brunt of this cost. My amendment simply stated that these septic tanks do not need to be dug up if the openings have been repaired and sealed. It was a good, commonsense amendment that will help people across the state avoid unnecessary costs.
Though this bill failed to address many pressing issues, it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. That being said, there is another environment funding bill on the horizon. I will continue to provide updates on these bills as session winds down. If you have any questions or concerns on these issues, please reach out to my office at any tim