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.
Traveling exhibits educate the public and motivate them to act on behalf of wolf recovery. Draft EIS released by FWS 14 months after date required by courts. Supporters heavily outnumber opponents at all three hearings and provide substantive comments on the proposals. League of Women Voters opinion poll demonstrates strong support in New Mexico. 1996 FWS stalls on release of final EIS, violating stipulated settlement agreement by 21 months and losing the possibility of spring 1997 wolf releases.