Union County Commissioners sign letter supporting federal delisting of gray wolves
By Garrett Christensen on Thursday, January 22nd, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
UNION COUNTY – During a regular meeting on Wednesday, January 21st, the Union County Board of Commissioners agreed to support a letter drafted by Commissioner Jake Seavert in support of the federal delisting of the Gray Wolf. Specifically, the letter addresses Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, expressing Union County’s support of US House Bill 845. The full text of the letter encouraging the delisting (a copy of which was provided to Elkhorn Media Group by the county) is as follows:
Subject: Letter of Support to Delist Gray Wolves in Oregon
Dear Senator Merkley and Senator Wyden,
The Union County Board of Commissioners writes to express our strong support for the delisting of the gray wolf in the United States, with US House Bill 845.
Oregon’s gray wolf population has expanded significantly over the past several years, with the statewide population now exceeding 200 wolves. A substantial number of these packs are concentrated in Eastern Oregon, where large-scale livestock operations are prevalent and where the impacts of wolf predation are most acutely felt by ranching families and rural communities. Not to mention the impacts to the livestock sector of agriculture but the devastating impacts on a suffering mule deer and elk population as well. An existing inflated predator population existed when the reintroduction of the gray wolf into Oregon has caused an imbalance in the ecosystem.
Under current state management regulations, wolves located east of Highway 395 may be lethally removed under limited and specific circumstances, while wolves west of Highway 395 are restricted to non-lethal management options only. This uneven regulatory framework does not reflect current population realities; nor does it provide landowners and local authorities with the necessary tools to effectively address serious and ongoing conflicts.
Union County is presently experiencing severe and escalating issues with wolves in the county. These packs have caused substantial disruption to livestock operations and have raised increasing concerns related to public safety. To date, there have been multiple confirmed wolf depredations in Union County. In addition to these confirmed losses, livestock have been repeatedly chased and harassed resulting in loss of weight, decreased pregnancy rate and added labor, stress, and finances due to implementation of non-lethal tactics.
These incidents are not isolated. They represent a growing and unsustainable pattern of conflict that threatens animal welfare, the economic viability of family ranches, and the long-term sustainability of rural livelihoods. Despite diligent efforts, non-lethal deterrents alone have proven insufficient to prevent continued losses or reduce escalating risks. The Union County Board of Commissioners asserts that wolf recovery goals in Oregon have been met. Delisting the gray wolf would allow for more flexible, science-based management options that appropriately balance wildlife conservation with livestock protection, public safety, and the economic stability of rural communities.
Therefore, the Union County Board of Commissioners respectfully urges state and federal wildlife authorities to move forward with delisting the gray wolf nationwide and to restore management authority that reflects the success of wolf recovery efforts.
Thank you for your consideration and for your continued commitment to responsible, balanced wildlife management in the state of Oregon.
