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Jackson County commissioners discuss federal wolf delisting, consider outreach and lobbyist support
Summary
On March 17 the Jackson County Board of Commissioners discussed H.R.845 (Pet and Livestock Protection Act of 2025), considered sending comments to the congressional committee, and weighed hiring a lobbyist; no formal vote was taken and the board agreed to continue exploring options.
The Jackson County Board of Commissioners discussed next steps on federal proposals to delist grey wolves in Oregon during its March 17 work session, including potential outreach to Congress and use of outside lobbying support.
Commissioner Colleen Roberts urged the board to bring awareness and urgency to the issue and cited H.R.845 (Pet and Livestock Protection Act of 2025), noting the bill had been received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. County Counsel Joel Benton told the board that, as of the meeting, no public hearing on H.R.845 was scheduled and that the board historically has sent letters of comment to congressional committees handling similar measures.
County Administrator Danny Jordan reviewed the potential benefits of engaging a lobbyist to assist with the county’s advocacy efforts. The board also noted that Sheriff Nathan Sickler may have testimony about his perception of danger to humans posed by wolf activity; Roberts said she would contact Commissioner Derrick DeGroot, Second Vice‑President of the National Association of Counties, Western Interstate Region, to determine whether he has involvement with the issue.
Commissioners briefly discussed livestock concerns related to wolves and the potential future risk of human attacks; these points were raised as concerns and subject to further verification. The board agreed to continue exploring options regarding the delisting and possible outreach strategies. No formal motion or vote was recorded on these items during the session.
The board later met in executive session under Oregon Revised Statute 192.660(2)(h) for litigation discussion; that executive session concluded the work session.
Next steps: staff will pursue follow up contacts and may bring proposed advocacy actions (such as a letter to the congressional committee or a recommendation on hiring a lobbyist) to a future meeting for formal consideration.
