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Cochise County hears split public views as supervisors gather comment on Mexican gray wolf recovery
Summary
At a May 13 special meeting, the Cochise County Board of Supervisors took public comment on a proposed resolution about Mexican gray wolf management; speakers were closely divided and supervisors said no resolution would be voted on that night.
The Cochise County Board of Supervisors convened a special meeting May 13 to hear public comment on a proposed county resolution addressing the Mexican gray wolf and its local impacts, and speakers were sharply divided over whether the program should be defunded or continued.
The meeting’s purpose, Chairman Crosby said at the start, was “to receive public comment regarding a proposed resolution that the board plans to present to both the state and federal governments, regarding the Mexican gray wolf and its impact on local residents, ranchers, and businesses within Cochise County.” The board moved agenda item one and began a lengthy public-comment session that included ranchers, scientists, conservation advocates and local residents.
Supporters of continued federal protection said the recovery program and science should guide decisions, and they cited ecosystem and tourism benefits. Opponents — largely ranchers and county residents — described livestock losses, disputed how depredations are verified, and urged county action to pursue delisting or defunding and stronger compensation.
“We are asking you to support delisting and defunding,” rancher Sonia Gasho told supervisors, saying reintroduction goals have been moved and compensation does not cover indirect costs. Supporters of recovery pushed back: “The correct option for dealing with Mexican gray wolves is to allow the science that created the recovery plan to result in a stable healthy wolf population,” said Scott Huber, who described research and tourism gains tied to wolves in other regions.
Local and regional wildlife and conservation groups also spoke. Erin Hunt of Lobos of the Southwest said she “opposes defunding or delisting Mexican gray wolves, and I support continued collaboration of tribes, counties, states, and the federal government to recover the Mexican wolf.” She cited polling results presented to the board that showed majority support statewide for continued recovery efforts.
Speakers on both sides pressed the board about specific policy fixes. Ranchers and veterinarians asked for faster, fuller compensation and changes to investigative procedures; several said that confirmed kills do not reflect the full scale of losses. Multiple ranchers and local advocates asked the board to push for 100% market compensation instead of the current 75% figure referenced in testimony, and to press state and federal agencies to change management practices.
Others urged investment in coexistence tools and programs. Defenders of Wildlife, WildEarth Guardians and other presenters offered to assist with range-rider programs, proactive conflict-avoidance measures and outreach to ranching communities. Some speakers also urged that any county resolution be developed with broader stakeholder input before the board takes formal action.
Supervisors clarified process but did not take a final vote. Chairman Crosby told the room “we don't have a resolution that we're gonna vote on tonight,” and said the purpose of the session was to collect public input before the board drafts a resolution. He said staff would prepare a resolution for later public review and that supervisors intend to include stronger language on compensation and other concerns raised at the meeting.
County officials also noted legal and jurisdictional limits. Several speakers referenced the Endangered Species Act and the 10(j) experimental designation; the board and public commenters discussed constitutional takings concerns and whether state or federal authorities have primary management responsibility. Chairman Crosby said the board is exploring both state-level and federal avenues and signaled possible coordination with other Eastern Arizona counties.
The meeting closed after more than three hours of public comment. Board members said they would accept additional written input and will circulate any proposed resolution before a future vote, giving the public further opportunity to review and comment.
