The Biden administration has unveiled a proposal to reintroduce grizzly bear populations in the federally-managed North Cascades National Park in northern Washington. Published in federal filings on Friday morning by the National Park Service (NPS) and Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS), the proposal offers three options for consideration. Two of the options involve actively restoring populations of the threatened apex predator species, while the third option, known as the "no action" alternative, would maintain current management practices.

The administration's plan aims to release up to seven grizzly bears annually into the North Cascades ecosystem over the next five to 10 years, with the overarching goal of establishing a population of roughly 200 bears in the coming decades. According to the announcement, grizzly bears were once an "essential part of the ecosystem" in the North Cascades, occupying the region for thousands of years. However, due to aggressive hunting practices in the 20th century, the species was driven to the brink of extinction, and the last confirmed sighting of a grizzly bear in the North Cascades ecosystem occurred in 1996.

While environmental groups are celebrating the proposal, citing the bears' natural place in the North Cascades, some local communities and organizations are expressing deep concerns. Representative Dan Newhouse, Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, strongly opposes the reintroduction, stating that it would be detrimental to families, wildlife, and livestock. He argues that the Biden administration is ignoring the concerns of the communities affected and moving forward with the reintroduction despite widespread opposition.

This is not the first time that the issue of grizzly bear restoration in the North Cascades has been debated. The plans date back to the Obama administration, but were halted during the Trump administration due to significant state opposition led by Representative Newhouse. Former Interior Secretary David Bernhardt had claimed that grizzly bears were not in danger of extinction and that existing populations could be effectively managed. However, following litigation from environmental groups, the Biden administration announced last year that it would review the restoration plans, leading to the proposal released on Friday.

Opposition to the reintroduction extends beyond local communities. The Washington Cattlemen's Association, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, and Public Lands Council have also voiced concerns about the potential devastating impact on cattle if grizzly bears were reintroduced to the region. They fear that the presence of grizzly bears would put their livestock at risk and negatively impact their livelihoods.

Meanwhile, environmental groups are expressing support for the proposal, arguing that grizzly bears have a rightful place in the North Cascades. Andrea Zaccardi, the carnivore conservation legal director at the Center for Biological Diversity, expressed delight at the plan, stating that it is a step toward bringing grizzlies back to their natural habitat.

The public is invited to comment on the proposal until mid-November, and it remains to be seen how the Biden administration will consider the feedback and move forward with the reintroduction plans.