Funding continues program for wolf management

A federal program to remove or kill problem wolves will continue to be funded.

The program was facing closure by the Department of Agriculture, because funding had been cut earlier this year by Congress.

Under the Wildlife Services program, experts trap and kill wolves at farms that have suffered from wolf predation. The money came earmarks, and earlier this year Congress voted to eliminate earmarks.

Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar said she's persuaded Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsak to keep the program going through the end of the year.

By that time, Minnesota's wolves are expected to be removed from the Endangered Species List and returned to state control.

The state Department of Natural Resources will continue a program to manage problem wolves, but has not indicated how it would be paid for.

Legislation passed during the special session eliminates a long-planned five-year waiting period before wolf hunts would be allowed in Minnesota.