SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Oregon lawmakers have revived a bill to compensate ranchers for livestock killed by wolves.
The Oregonian reports the measure was revived Monday after lawmakers heard emotional testimony earlier this year on several proposals addressing the migration of the gray wolf back to Oregon.
House Bill 3560 would direct the Oregon Department of Agriculture to establish and implement a wolf depredation fund providing $100,000 to be used for grants to counties dealing with wolf issues.
The proposal was a top priority for agricultural groups but had been sidelined in committee since April. It was revived following negotiations involving conservationists, cattlemen, the Oregon Farm Bureau, tribal officials and the governor’s office.