Dear Editor:

The Fish and Wildlife Service has placed two adult wolves with their six pups in a holding pen in Seco Canyon on the Ladder Ranch. The gates will be opened in just a few days and the wolves will be free to roam. The male M1693 is responsible for at least seven confirmed kills on livestock near Rainey Mesa in Catron County. The female F1728 was with the male on three of those confirmed kills. Additionally, the male was involved in an aggressive behavior incident with a ranch hand in Catron County. This pair is the definition of "problem wolves" that should never be released anywhere, anytime.

There is a permanent residence near the ghost town of Hermosa, only four miles from the release site. The nearest cattle are on the Gila National Forest in steep, remote pastures only five miles away, and several more livestock operations north of Hillsboro, New Mexico are within ten miles of the release site. This action was done without proper notice, without a NEPA analysis and without the public's ability to properly analyze and comment to FWS. These are problem wolves and their release is irresponsible on the part of the federal government.

The Sierra County Commission is fighting this translocation/release of wolves and seeking an injunction. Our County Attorney, Dave Pato is working with Karen Budd-Falen from Cheyenne, Wyoming to file an injunction in federal court. The Commission has dedicated more than one-half of our "litigation budget" to this one action. Our latest estimate is that this action may cost $60,000 to $70,000.

That means that we still need to raise approximately $30,000. We also have a partner in Protect Americans Now (www.protectamericansnow.org) which is a 501.c.3 corporation. If you are able to donate, please send a check to Protect Americans Now at P.O.Box 1204 in Elephant Butte, N.M. 87935. Write "wolf injunction" in the memo line.

If you can help us get this message out to those who might be able to donate, we would sure appreciate you sharing this email. I am available to share more information and answer questions.

Thank you for consideration and assistance,
Jim Paxon
Chairman
Sierra County Commission