Wolves spark debate
Advocates for the animals are at odds with Oregon ranchers.
HENRY MILLER
Statesman Journal
November 11, 2002
The wolf is at the door, and that’s not speaking metaphorically.
While no wolves are known to live in Oregon, several from packs outside
the state have paid a visit, according to biologists.
Three wolves were found in Oregon in 1999 and 2000.
One radio-collared wolf was returned to Idaho, one was hit by a vehicle
and died in May 2000, and one was shot in October 2000.
Biologists said that they think all three were offshoots from established
packs in Idaho.
And that’s likely to become a trend in the future, sparking a sometimes
heated debate among advocates for the wolves, and those who don’t want to
see them get established in the state, such as ranchers.
There are no plans in the works to reintroduce wolves into Oregon.
But coming up with policies to deal with wolves if and when they arrive
here on their own is a major issue for Fish and Wildlife.
The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission heard its fourth briefing on the
topic on Thursday during a wolf workshop in Portland.
The seven-member commission is the rule-making body for the Department of
Fish and Wildlife.
During the course of the meetings, commissioners listened to a variety of
reports from those representing pro- and anti-wolf factions, as well as
those who are neutral but studying the economic, social and ecological
impacts of wolves in states where they are found, or have been introduced.
To get the public’s take about the issue of wolves, a series of town hall
meetings is scheduled around the state during the next month and a half.
Comments will be folded into the information from the workshops in coming
up with future planning and policy guidelines to deal with the large
predators.
Wolves that enter the state from Idaho’s packs are protected under both
the state and federal Endangered Species Acts.
The Oregon Legislature has authority to change the state Endangered
Species Act.
But the commission has the authority to add or remove species from the
state list of threatened and endangered species.
Each of the town hall meetings will open with a short introductory
presentation about the history of wolves in Oregon, their current
biological and legal status and the issues surrounding their migration
into the state.
Some educational materials about wolves will be available at the meetings.
If you can’t make any of the meetings, you can submit your comments in
writing.
Send them to: Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, C/O Information and
Education, P.O. Box 59, Portland, OR 97207.
By e-mail: ODFW.Comments@state.or.us
Type “Wolf Comments” in the subject line.
By fax: (503) 872-5700.