When Dealing With Wolves Two Eastern Oregon Ranchers Will Try Something New

Two ranchers in eastern Oregon are working with the state to test a new strategy for preventing livestock attacks by wolves with the hope of breaking an impasse between conservationists and ranchers on how to manage the predators.  Capital Press reports Rodger Huffman, president of the Union County Cattlemen’s Association, and Cynthia Warnock, president of the Wallowa County Stockgrowers Association, will develop plans that emphasize non-lethal methods such as range riders, alarm boxes and electrified fencing to keep wolves away from their livestock.  The ranchers agreed to test the idea, but it’s still unclear who would pay for the non-lethal tools and whether or not the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has the staff and resources to monitor individual wolf plans for all farmers and ranchers affected by the predators.

The proposal was outlined by stakeholders who are trying to find common ground on a five-year update of the state’s wolf conservation and management plan, which is now three years overdue.

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