Sierra County declares local emergency over gray wolf presence, authorizes letters to state and federal officials

The Sierra County Board of Supervisors voted to declare a local state of emergency over the presence and impacts of gray wolves in the county and authorized a letter asking state and federal officials for expanded local public-safety response options.

Supervisor John Rowan introduced the resolution, saying the action grew from recent meetings with neighboring counties and constituents worried about livestock and human safety. "I think this just gives us an opportunity to try to reign this in a little bit and give us a little more local authority," Rowan said.

The nut graf: Board members, local ranchers and the sheriff described repeated wolf sightings near homes and livestock in eastern Sierra County and neighboring counties, and pressed state wildlife agencies for faster, more flexible management tools. The motion passed on a voice/roll-call vote.

In public comment, Chad Smith of Bar 1 Cattle Company said wolves had entered his horse pasture at night. "Two weeks ago...3 wolves at 01:30 in the morning were in with my horses. That is in 20 yards from my house. It's too close for comfort," Smith said, urging board action. Rick Roberti, who has been speaking statewide about wolf impacts, told the board he expects more wolves and said, "We're creating a predator that's just not afraid of us."

Sheriff Mike Fisher described the practical limits of local response under current law and urged more tools for local authorities. "Wolves are losing their fear of people," Fisher said, arguing that the county must be able to investigate and, when necessary, remove problem animals as it can with bears and mountain lions.

Board members and commenters raised related concerns: livestock depredations already reported in the region, interference with fuels-reduction projects if wolves are present, and possible impacts on outdoor recreation and tourism. Multiple speakers asked neighboring counties to coordinate and for the county to press state and federal agencies for quicker management decisions.

The board also instructed staff to prepare a follow-up letter documenting recent incidents (including a fatal black bear attack previously discussed) and directed the chair to sign the completed letter to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Fish and Wildlife Commission and federal partners. The resolution and the accompanying letter request were approved by the board.

The declaration directs the board and staff to seek additional state and federal resources and to press for management approaches that allow quicker local public-safety actions while acknowledging the county's interest in balanced wildlife conservation.