The Oregon Legislature's House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water convened on April 30, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding wolf management and rancher compensation in Eastern Oregon. The meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by ranchers due to the state's growing wolf population, which has led to significant livestock losses and emotional distress among local farming families.

Senate Bill 777A was a focal point of the discussion, aimed at providing a more effective framework for compensating ranchers affected by wolf predation. Proponents of the bill, including Senator Nash, emphasized that the legislation is not about eliminating wolves but rather about ensuring the survival of rural families who bear the brunt of the wolf recovery efforts. The bill proposes market-based compensation, increased funding for non-lethal deterrence measures, and greater local control over implementation.

Testimonies from ranchers underscored the urgency of the situation. They reported substantial financial losses, with estimates indicating that ranchers in wolf-affected regions could lose up to $40,000 annually due to various stress-related impacts, not just direct predation. The emotional toll of constant predation pressure was also highlighted, with ranchers expressing feelings of despair as they face the reality of losing livestock to wolves.

Brandon Persinger, representing the Association of Oregon Counties, provided historical context on the state's wolf management plan, which aims to balance conservation efforts with the economic interests of ranchers. He noted that while the program has been operational for over a decade, participation among ranchers remains low, partly due to concerns over inadequate compensation. The proposed changes in Senate Bill 777A aim to address these issues by removing the "missing" category from compensation eligibility and increasing the percentage of funds allocated to non-lethal deterrents.

Rocky Dolan, representing the Eastern Oregon Counties Association, echoed these sentiments, stating that the current compensation fund is oversubscribed and unable to meet the growing needs of ranchers. He emphasized the importance of providing financial support to ranchers for both direct losses and the costs associated with implementing deterrence measures.

As the wolf population continues to grow, the committee's discussions reflect a pressing need for legislative action to support ranchers while maintaining the state's commitment to wolf conservation. The outcome of Senate Bill 777A could significantly impact the livelihoods of those living in wolf-populated areas, as well as the future of wolf management in Oregon. The committee's next steps will be crucial in determining how effectively these challenges can be addressed.