ODA OKs Wolf Depredation Funds

The Oregon Department of Agriculture has approved over $184,039 for ten counties as part of the Oregon Wolf Depredation Compensation and Financial Assistance County Block Grant Program.  Funds for 2017 have been distributed for actual livestock losses or injuries caused by wolves, for missing livestock above the normal historical levels in areas of known wolf activity, for proactive efforts to prevent wolf and livestock interactions, and for county administrative costs.
Of the total funding provided by the block grants this year $129,950, or 70%, is going towards proactive, non-lethal efforts to reduce conflicts between wolves and livestock.

According to ODFW, Oregon’s 2016 wolf population increased slightly this year to 112 wolves.

Livestock owners worked with ODFW to document losses tied to confirmed or probable livestock deaths or injuries due to wolves. Payments are made on a reimbursement basis for depredations that occurred during the previous grant cycle.
Wallowa, Klamath, Umatilla, Lake, and Jackson counties filed claims with ODA after experiencing confirmed or probable livestock losses in the 2016 cycle. These counties are being awarded $15,227 to compensate affected ranchers for losses due to death and/or injury. Wallowa County received $9,390, Klamath County received $4,070, Umatilla County received $900, Lake County received $600, and Jackson County received $267 for compensation.

Baker, Umatilla, and Wallowa counties are being awarded $34,942 total to compensate ranchers for missing livestock due to wolves. Baker County received $16,125, Umatilla County received $11,212, and Wallowa County received $7,605 for compensation.

Historically, deterrent techniques utilized from block grant funding include one or more of the following activities:

·      Reducing attractants– bone pile removal, carcass disposal sites

·      Barriers– fencing, fladry, electrified fladry

·      Human presence– range riders, herders

·      Alarm or scare devices– Radio-Activated-Guard (RAG) device, other light and sound making devices

·      Hazing or harassment of wolves– loud noises, spotlights, or other confrontation with wolves

·      Livestock protection dogs and other guarding animals

·      Livestock management/husbandry changes– changing pastures, night feeding, reduced calving period, birthing earlier, changing herd structure

·      Experimental practices– bio-fencing, belling cattle

·      Public outreach/education for ranchers

A total of $3,920 was awarded to seven counties to help with administrative costs.

The following is a list of the total awards made by ODA to counties as part of the Oregon Wolf Depredation Compensation and Financial Assistance County Block Grant Program for the 2017 Grant Period:

·      Umatilla, $67,363

·      Wallowa, $47,445

·      Baker, $23,219

·      Klamath, $14,070

·      Lake, $10,600

·      Morrow, $8,675

·      Jackson, $5,717

·      Union, $5,000

·      Wheeler, $1,500

·      Malheur, $450

The fund process remains available for counties to address depredations that occur in the future. In that event, livestock operators should submit claims to their local county wolf advisory committee.
 

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