Jackson County commissioners approve letter urging state to begin delisting gray wolves west of Highways 395, 78 and 95
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Summary
The Board approved a letter asking Oregon to initiate delisting of gray wolves west of Highways 395, 78 and 95, updating a 2018 request and citing Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife management; the motion passed unanimously (3-0).
The Jackson County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 12 approved a letter asking the State of Oregon to begin the process of delisting gray wolves west of Highways 395, 78 and 95.
Joel Benton, County Counsel, said the draft updates a 2018 request the Board previously sent regarding delisting east of Highway 395 and incorporates information about Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s ongoing wolf management efforts. Benton framed the central question as whether gray wolves should remain listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973.
Commissioner Randy Sparacino made the motion to approve the letter; Commissioner Colleen Roberts seconded. Those recorded voting aye were Commissioners Sparacino, Roberts and Rick Dyer. The motion passed.
The action does not itself change state or federal listings; Benton and Commissioners framed the letter as a formal request to the State to initiate its delisting process. No specific technical changes to state rulemaking or federal petitions were described in the meeting minutes.
Next steps noted in the meeting: staff will finalize the letter for transmittal to the appropriate state officials. The Board did not record additional direction or a timetable for follow-up in the minutes.