Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission Adopts New Wolf Rules
OutdoorHub 07.15.13
The Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted new permanent Oregon Administrative Rules to manage wolves in Oregon when it met by phone today. The new rules are based on agreements reached between ODFW, Oregon Wild, Cascadia Wildlands and the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association through settlement of a lawsuit.
The new rules can be found online and make the following key changes:
Before ODFW can use lethal control against wolves, it must confirm four qualifying incidents within a six-month time frame (previously it was two depredation incidents and no specific timeframe).
Require agency coordination with a wider array of interests once wolf activity is known in an area.
Require the development and public disclosure of area specific wolf-livestock conflict deterrence plans that identify non-lethal measures to minimize conflict.
Require that non-lethal measures be implemented prior to a depredation for the depredation incident to count towards lethal control.
The livestock section of ODFW’s Wolf webpage has already incorporated many of the changes. Livestock producers should call ODFW’s NE Region office (541-963-2138) or their local office if they have questions about the new rules.
The Commission also approved the delegation of authority for appointing members of the Commercial Fishery Permit Board to ODFW’s Director. It tabled discussion on delegating this authority in situations other than an emergency.
The Commission is the policy-making body for fish and wildlife issues in Oregon. It usually meets monthly. The next meeting is Aug. 2 in Eugene.
