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Harney County votes to return $70,000 of state grasshopper grant to aid hard-hit counties
Summary
The court voted to return $70,000 of a $90,000 Oregon Department of Agriculture cost-share grant for Mormon crickets and grasshoppers to assist counties currently facing infestations, while retaining approximately $20,000 for local needs and future treatment.
Harney County Court voted July 1 to return $70,000 of a $90,000 Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) cost-share grant intended for Mormon cricket and grasshopper control to assist counties currently experiencing large infestations.
County staff explained that Harney County did not experience a major hatch this year, leaving most of the $90,000 grant unspent. Commissioners discussed whether to retain a local reserve for a possible local hatch and heard from local contacts that roughly $20,000 would likely be sufficient for near-term county needs. Several counties were identified in the discussion as recipients or participants in the program; Clamoth County was cited as currently experiencing significant problems.
The court moved and seconded a motion to return $70,000 to the Oregon Department of Agriculture for use in other affected counties; the motion carried on a voice vote.
County staff said they have a call scheduled with ODA on July 9 to confirm logistics for returning funds and to clarify whether the existing unsolicited offers or inter-county arrangements would be affected. Commissioners emphasized the time-sensitive nature of treatments given the narrow application windows for control chemicals and the need to act quickly when hatches occur.
Why it matters: The decision reallocates state funds toward counties facing immediate crop and rangeland damage, while preserving a modest local reserve for Harney County; quick action matters because treatments must be applied during specific life stages of the insects.
Next steps: Treasurer/staff will coordinate with ODA to return funds and confirm the administrative process; the court will monitor follow-up communications from ODA.
