Wallowa County ranchers are facing a growing crisis due to an increasing wolf population, prompting local officials to advocate for legislative support to address the issue. During a recent meeting of the Oregon Legislature's House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water, County Commissioner Lisa Collier highlighted the severe financial strain on ranchers, citing a single rancher’s loss of over $200,000 in replacement cattle due to wolf attacks.

Collier, alongside fellow commissioners, urged the committee to support Senate Bill 777, which aims to enhance compensation for livestock losses attributed to wolves. She emphasized that the current compensation framework falls short of addressing the broader economic impact on ranching families, who are integral to the agricultural backbone of the region.

The meeting featured testimonies from multiple ranchers, including Raleigh Bigsby, who detailed his personal experiences with wolf depredation, reporting significant losses and the emotional toll on livestock producers. Bigsby described spending over 70 hours in a week managing wolf threats, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Union County Commissioner Jake Sievert also voiced his support for Senate Bill 777, noting that many ranchers avoid compensation programs due to fears of retaliation and the burdensome documentation process. He advocated for a shift towards nonlethal measures to mitigate conflicts between wolves and livestock, suggesting that incentivizing ranchers to monitor wolf activity could lead to reduced depredations.

The committee's discussions reflect a growing recognition of the challenges posed by the expanding wolf population in Oregon. As ranchers continue to face significant losses, the proposed legislation aims to provide more effective support and compensation, ensuring the sustainability of local agriculture and the well-being of ranching families. The committee's decision on Senate Bill 777 will be crucial in shaping the future of livestock management and wildlife conservation in the state.