The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners voted to distribute the last of a $50,000 Wolf Committee allocation on Nov. 24, approving a $3,000 award to the Hatfield High Land Trust for predator‑resistant fencing and leaving a residual $871.34 for a carcass‑removal program.

John Patterson, strategic initiatives manager, told the board the Wolf Committee opened a small supplemental funding round and received one application from Hatfield High Land Trust for additional fencing and pen work tied to depredation prevention. Patterson said the committee recommended granting $3,000 and retaining a small balance to support carcass removal; the committee also recommended that any remaining funds be expended by Jan. 31 and, if unspent, reallocated to wildlife cameras monitored by ODFW and USDA Wildlife Services.

Commissioners discussed accountability and reporting; staff said recipients will provide receipts and expense reports at cycle end, and that state rules will guide return of unspent funds if necessary. The motion to approve the committee recommendation was moved by Speaker 5 and seconded by Speaker 1 and carried without further amendment.

The board also discussed broader ranching concerns raised during the item, including anecdotal reports of reduced pregnancy rates in herds and the recent state passage of Senate Bill 777 (which provides a multiplier for depredation compensation). County participants noted the multiplier could increase claims pressure on a fixed pot of funds and that the committee will take the policy into account during future cycles.

Action: motion to approve distribution of remaining Wolf Committee funds (approve $3,000 to Hatfield High Land Trust; leave $871.34 for carcass removal) — moved Speaker 5; second Speaker 1; outcome: approved.