Wolf delisting bill passes the House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives voted in favor of delisting the gray wolf Thursday. The passage of the Pet and Livestock Protection Act is what Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-Ontario) calls “an important step toward restoring common sense wildlife management and returning authority to state agencies.”

Oregon is divided as far as the gray wolf population goes. Everywhere east of Highway 395 has been taken off the federal endangered species list and is managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Most of the state sees its wolf population and depredations responded to by the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife.

“Ranching families  are paying the price for policies made in Washington that ignore conditions on the ground,” Bentz said. “Delisting the gray wolf is a necessary first step toward restoring balance, protecting livestock, driving down the cost of beef prices, and returning wildlife management to the state agencies best equipped to do the job.”

The Oregon Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) agrees.

“In Oregon, delisting will be a welcome relief to producers in three-quarters of the state allowing for long overdue management options under the Oregon Wolf Conservation and Management Plan,” OCA Executive Director Tammy Dennee said. “The assurances this bill offers will allow for quality wolf management and protection of private property.”

House Resolution 845 now goes to the U.S. Senate.

File photo from Oregon Cattlemen’s Association

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Elkhorn Media Group