Senate approves compromise wolf control bill
— Legislation will allow for taking of predatory wolves
By Senator Bill Hansell
The State Senate passed House Bill 3452 B Wednesday, a bill that will allow for a common-ground approach to wolf management and protect ranchers from predatory wolves. The bill passed unanimously.
“This bill is a critical step forward for the economic well-being of ranchers and others impacted by wolf predation,” said Senator Bill Hansell (R-Athena), one of the chief sponsors of the bill. “This bill protects ranchers against wolf predation while still giving wolf populations a chance to recover.”
House Bill 3452 B clarifies that nothing in wildlife laws is intended to prevent lethally taking wolves that chronically prey on livestock, regardless of wolves status in the Oregon Wolf Conservation and Management Plan. The bill also spells out how and when a wolf can be taken.
“Many diverse interests came together and found common ground, and it is reflected in this bill,” said Hansell. “With this legislation, Oregon can adopt an approach to wolf management that is both science-based and practical.”
Early in the session Hansell invited Senator Jackie Dingfelder (D-Portland), the chair of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee, to visit Wallowa County and see first-hand the issues surrounding wolves in eastern Oregon. They had the chance to hear from ranchers, wolf advocates, tribes and others.
Hansell has been a campus minister, a rancher and a county commissioner. He is a graduate of Athena public schools, the University of Oregon, and the Harvard University JFK School of Government.
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