Ravalli hearing support for predator policy

Tracy Brooks photo(HAMILTON)- No surprises in the initial written comments over Ravalli's County proposed wolf policy. Of the written comments so far, the overwhelming number support the county commissioners' efforts to draft the document. 

Ravalli County issued the six page draft policy last month, a document that address problems with wolves, and mountain lions impacting everything from ranching and hunting. The commissioners say they're not trying to "take over" wolf management from the state and federal agencies, just finding a way to give the county more of a voice on management issues. 

KPAX TV reports most of the comments coming in so far are "fully supportive" of the predator policy as written. Some, sent from outside the Bitterroot, express interest in their own local governments in taking a similar stand. 

The county will take comments through the end of the week. The board will discuss the next steps on the policy on February 9th.