MN SF2256

Establishes a 17-member Wolf Management Plan Review Advisory Council with representatives from environmental organizations, agricultural organizations, hunting and trapping organizations, wolf advocates, government agencies, federally recognized Indian tribes, independent biologists, animal protection organizations, and at-large members to report annually on wolf management plan efficacy.

Modifies wolf management plan requirements to include an annual wolf census and educational strategies for reducing human-wolf conflicts, with goals to ensure long-term wolf survival, reduce human conflicts, minimize livestock depredation, and manage ecological impacts.

Suspends open seasons for wolf hunting and trapping to study hunt outcomes and implement the wolf management plan, with suspension continuing until comprehensive data on wolf deaths, public sentiment study, best management practices for livestock producers, and conflict maps are completed.

Prohibits baiting wolves within ten miles of federally recognized tribal lands where wolf taking is prohibited, and allows tribes to request closure of their lands to wolf hunting and trapping.

Requires commissioner to make initial council appointments by September 1, 2014, convene first meeting by October 1, 2014, and increase trained wolf counters in zone B to support annual wolf census requirements.