Oregon drafts plan to manage wolves

BEND, Ore. – Oregonians will have until the end of the year to help shape the rules and regulations for managing wolves expected to migrate into the state from Idaho.

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission voted unanimously Friday to give preliminary approval to the draft management plan produced by a 14-member task force representing various interest groups.

The vote sets up a series of public hearings around the state and chances for people to comment on rules and regulations before the commission takes up final approval on Jan. 7.

“They accepted the plan as the foundation of the rule-making process,” said commission spokeswoman Ann Snyder. “Based on public input over the next few months, the contents of the plan could shift.”

Since the federal government successfully established new wolf packs in Yellowstone National Park and Idaho, the predators have been downgraded under federal law from endangered to threatened species status.

States like Oregon – where wolves are still on the state endangered species list – have had to take greater responsibility for future management.

Though there are regular sightings, there are no confirmed wolves in Oregon right now, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Three wolves have strayed into the state. Two were killed and the third was returned to Idaho.

The draft plan recommends that the predators be allowed to move across the Snake River into Oregon, but that ranchers be allowed to shoot on sight if they see wolves attacking livestock on private land.

The proposal was produced after more than a year of sometimes contentious meetings. Two members of the task force disagreed with the final plan and offered alternatives.