As wolves continue to grow in number in Eastern Oregon, the state wolf plan allows for regional delisting to give the state, ranchers and landowners more tools for dealing with wolf related conflicts.
Per the state plan, when Eastern Oregon has four breeding pairs for three consecutive years, regional de-listing can be considered. A breeding pair is an adult male, adult female and at least two pups surviving to the end of the calendar year.
Oregon documented at least eight breeding pairs and 9 packs as of the end of 2014.
Please let the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission know that moving forward with more management options for wolves at this landmark is important for communities, farmers and ranchers living with the animal. Communities cannot be expected to tolerate a predator that is not practically and intelligently managed.
Dear Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission,
This petition has been created in support of regional de-listing of wolves in Oregon. Here in Washington State, our residents, landowners, farmers and ranchers have been encouraged to learn that Oregon was forward-thinking in their wolf management and created a provision for Eastern Oregon.
As wolves are incredibly challenging predators to manage, we support increasing the number of tools available to ODFW and landowners through de-listing as wolf populations continue to increase. While some may tout the benefits of wolf presence, there is also an undeniable cost from these predators. If their numbers and behaviors are not managed in a proactively, the costs to economies, livelihoods and communities can increase in an exponentially unacceptable way.
Please vote in favor of delisting the wolf, as it has met the criteria outlined in your state wolf plan and needs adaptive management at this point.
Washington Residents Against Wolves
Spokane, WA
