Wolf advisory group to meet this week
Statesman Journal
The third meeting of the Wolf Advisory Committee is scheduled Wednesday and Thursday in Salem.
The group, selected by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission as an advisory body, meets beginning at 1 p.m. Wednesday and 8 a.m. Thursday at the Salem headquarters building of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, 3406 Cherry Ave. NE.
The agenda includes a briefing and discussion about species conservation, budget concerns, species management and preparation for future meetings about wolf interactions with wildlife and livestock.
The 14-member committee was appointed in 2003 to study issues surrounding wolves in Oregon and to recommend management actions that would be used once a permanent population establishes itself in the state.
No wolves are confirmed to be in Oregon at this time. However, numerous unconfirmed sightings have been documented, and biologists said they expect wolves to enter the state from the expanding population in Idaho and eventually establish a permanent population.
The commission decided earlier this year to develop a wolf management plan so the state is prepared for wolves.
This decision came after hearing from many wolf experts and the results of 15 town hall meetings held in late 2002 and early 2003.
Fifteen minutes will be available at the end of the meeting for public comments.