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Plumas supervisors declare local state of emergency over gray wolves, authorize letter seeking more local control
Summary
The Plumas County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution declaring a local state of emergency tied to gray wolf activity and authorized the chair to send a letter to the state director requesting additional local public safety response options.
The Plumas County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously April 15 to declare a local state of emergency citing increased wolf predation on livestock and threats to public safety.
Chair Jeff Goss moved the measure with a second; the board then approved a companion item authorizing the chair to sign a letter to California Fish and Wildlife Director Bonham requesting expanded local options for wolf management.
Why it matters: Supervisors said wolf activity has escalated in several parts of the county and is affecting livestock operations and residents’ perceptions of safety. The declaration is intended to make clear the county’s urgent concerns and to request state action and flexibility on management tools.
Board discussion and testimony: Supervisor comments and resident testimony described multiple livestock losses and increased encounters between wolves and people’s yards. A local rancher said wolves are no longer avoiding populated areas and urged the county for ‘‘help from the top.’’ Sheriff Todd (last name not specified in the record) recommended broadening outreach, and on Zoom the sheriff reiterated a request that the board send copies of the county’s letter to other state and federal officials to broaden pressure.
Vote: Roll call votes in the record show Supervisor Hall, Supervisor McGowan, Supervisor Soler, Supervisor Engle and Chair Goss voted yes on the resolution and on the companion approval of the chair’s letter. No dissent was recorded.
What the declaration does: The resolution declares a local emergency tied to documented wolf impacts and creates a formal record of county concern. The board also authorized staff to transmit a support letter to the state director outlining the county’s request for expanded local response options and public-safety measures.
Next steps: Supervisors said they expect to continue coordinating with the sheriff, with neighboring counties and with legislative offices. The board asked staff to consider sending the letter to state legislators and the governor as well, at the sheriff’s recommendation.
Ending: Supervisors said they will remain engaged on wolf-management policy and monitor Fish and Wildlife responses to the county’s request.
