Livestock district proposed for Meacham area

By Terry Murry on Monday, September 13th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories

PENDLETON – The Umatilla County Board of Commissioners is being asked to consider establishing the Meacham East Livestock District. The request is filed by Kent Madison, an Echo farmer and businessman who owns land in the proposed district.

Board of Commissioners Chairman George Murdock said the area is currently open range.

“Individual residents are responsible for building a fence to keep the livestock out,” Murdock said. “In the case of a livestock district, then the individual who has the animals is responsible for fencing them in.”

Madison’s request would not allow bovine species, horses, mules, asses, sheep, goats, and swine to roam free. Murdock said a public hearing will be held next month, after all the property owners in the area are notified.

“There are several large owners in that area and then a number of small land owners,” Murdock said. “In order to form the district, you have to have a majority of the people involved.”