By Tara Kulash | The Oregonian/OregonLive
The Oregon Department of Agriculture has approved more money to compensate ranchers who lost livestock to wolves and to help prevent future attacks.
Nine counties east of the Cascade Mountains will share $81,300 this year as part of the Oregon Wolf Depredation Compensation and Financial Assistance Country Block Grant Program. The budget is meant to cover: livestock losses or injuries caused by wolves; missing livestock above normal levels; prevention of wolf and livestock interactions; and for county administrative costs to implement the wolf compensation program.
Oregon’s wolf population had increased to 77 by December. The state is considering removing the animals from its endangered species list, which has resulted in a rivalry between conservationists and ranchers.
The three counties that have experienced most of the state’s wolf activity are Wallowa, Umatilla and Baker. Combined, the three received $68,170, or about 84 percent of the money awarded in 2015.
These three are also the only counties that filed claims for livestock losses in 2014. Wallowa received $3,930 for its losses, Umatilla received $1,800 and Baker received $1,470.
Out of the total $81,300 approved, $51,230 – or 63 percent – is allotted for prevention.
Tactics include barriers, human presence, guard animals, hazing, alarms and educational outreach.
For 2015, the Oregon Department of Agriculture was able to use money from the 2013 and 2014 grants provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Here is a list of counties and the rewards they received:
· Wallowa: $24,905
· Umatilla: $25,950
· Baker: $17,315
· Union: $3,000
· Morrow: $6,375
· Jefferson: $1,905
· Wheeler: $750
· Crook: $650
· Malheur: $450