Larry Bocksman, a representative of Golden Rescue, told the Columbia County Board of Commissioners on July 30 that the nonprofit operates a 105‑acre animal sanctuary that rescues horses and other animals from neglect, provides emergency response in wildfires and other incidents, and conducts outreach and education for the local community.

Bocksman said Golden Rescue is accredited by international nonprofit reviewers, has earned a top rating through nonprofit evaluation services, and holds the state license required to operate as an animal rescue. He described the sanctuary’s rescue, medical and long‑term care practices and said the organization works closely with veterinarians and other rescue groups.

The presentation matters because the organization supplies emergency and shelter capacity that county responders can use during fires or other incidents, and because the sanctuary seeks donations and volunteer support to sustain operations. Bocksman told commissioners Golden Rescue also provides tours and educational visits for schools and community groups.

According to Bocksman, the sanctuary sits on 105 acres and operates multiple shelter facilities; he said the property has room to grow and uses solar power and harvested water for operations. He described partnerships with local fire agencies, the Oregon Animal Council and other regional partners for emergency response and animal sheltering, and said the group follows nonprofit financial‑management standards validated by independent reviewers.

Bocksman recounted individual rescues to illustrate the sanctuary’s work, including a horse named Jericho and an elderly animal the group removed from a facility that was preparing euthanasia when ownership and care lapsed. He said many rescued animals arrive with trauma or medical needs that require sustained veterinary care and rehabilitation.

In response to commissioner questions, Bocksman said animal control staff contact Golden Rescue directly when they identify animals in need. “Roger just reaches out and says, ‘Hey, I got a need,’ and we coordinate from there,” Bocksman said. He described a volunteer base that helps with sheltering, transportation and educational programs and said funding is primarily through donations.

Commissioners asked about operational costs, animal counts and predator or fencing challenges; Bocksman provided program descriptions but did not offer a detailed, itemized annual budget during the presentation. The transcript indicates some numerical items (shelter counts and animal totals) were described but not recorded in a clearly verifiable format; the presentation emphasized program capacity and partnership rather than a detailed financial breakdown.

No formal county action or vote followed the presentation. Commissioners thanked Bocksman for the briefing and for the sanctuary’s cooperation with county responders and volunteer networks.

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