Sen. Christine Rolfes has been named the Humane Society’s “Humane Legislator of the Year” for 2013.

During the 2013 legislative session, Rolfes worked with Rep. Kristine Lytton, D-Anacortes, with whom she shared the award, to help resolve conflicts that occur between ranchers and gray wolves.

Rolfes, a Bainbridge Island Democrat, represents the 23rd District.

“Wolves are a tricky issue, so it is an honor to receive this award,” Rolfes said. “On the one hand, wolves are beautiful animals that play an important role in our ecosystem. On the other hand, they are one of the nation’s few remaining large predators. There is no getting around the reality that they pose a threat to livestock in impacted areas like Okanogan County.”

Rolfes and Lytton helped to negotiate legislation that provided funding for non-lethal wolf deterrents, as well as reimbursement for ranchers who lose livestock to wolves.

“Protecting nature is an investment in our quality of life, our future and our economy,” Rolfes said. “But conservation doesn’t just impact animals – it is always vital to balance the ‘human’ and the ‘humane’ legislation.”