County accepts $50,000 ODA grant for nonlethal wolf deterrents

The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners voted to accept a $50,000 grant from the Oregon Department of Agriculture to support nonlethal livestock management and wolf-deterrent measures.

Jen Patterson, the county’s strategic initiatives manager and staff liaison to the Deschutes County Wolf Depredation and Financial Compensation Committee, told commissioners the committee applied for three grant categories administered by the ODA. Patterson said the county did not receive any applications for confirmed depredation or missing‑livestock payments for calendar year 2024, but it did apply for prevention funds and was awarded the maximum available for nonlethal measures: $50,000.

Patterson said the committee will meet April 21 to determine distribution of those funds, and that if a livestock producer who experienced a depredation wants compensation they may apply in the next annual cycle; she said confirmed depredations are paid retroactively and that a March confirmed depredation in Deschutes County would be eligible in the next cycle.

Commissioners asked about reporting and field response. Patterson and other speakers urged residents to report wolf activity promptly so Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife and Wildlife Services can investigate, deploy cameras or deterrents, and, where necessary, pursue additional measures.

The board voted to accept the grant. Commissioner Chang, Commissioner Dare and the chair each voted yes.