1982 FWS and Mexico jointly approve the Mexican Wolf Recovery Plan calling for expanded breeding efforts and the establishment of a wild population of at least 100 wolves. 1986-88 Defenders begins advocacy campaign to generate public support for reintroduction, working with citizen groups in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. 1987 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish proposes White Sands Missile Range for reintroduction but U.S. Army refuses to cooperate with experimental reintroduction plan. Arizona's Wolves hosts a wolf symposium to address recovery issues. FWS hires Mexican wolf recovery coordinator to develop specific reintroduction strategies.
Defenders commits to compensating ranchers market value for livestock lost to wolves.
Defenders convinces Arizona cattle growers and wool producers to cooperate with recovery. 1992-96 Defenders sponsors a series of annual Mexican wolf lobby visits, bringing Southwest activists to Washington, D.C. to meet with key Congress members and FWS agency officials to secure funding for Mexican wolf recovery program. Defenders hosts three annual wolf summits in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Regional wolf activists collectively develop advocacy skills and strategies to further wolf recovery. Defenders launches Mexican wolf booth advocacy campaigns in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.