Union County Seeks Over $212,000 in Wolf Depredation Compensation Funds

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The Union County Board of Commissioners has approved an application to the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Wolf Depredation Compensation & Financial Assistant Grant Program for $212,510. This includes $62,510 in predation funds to cover losses of seven ewes, one steer, and four cow calves, as well as $150,000 in prevention funding to reimburse producers for non-lethal deterrent measures like range riders, herders, and electric fences.

Why it matters

Wolf populations have been increasing in Oregon, leading to more conflicts with livestock producers. This grant funding aims to help offset the financial impact on local farmers and ranchers while also supporting proactive prevention efforts to reduce future depredation incidents.

The details

The predation funds will be used to cover the losses incurred by two local producers, with the value determined by establishing fair market value and multiplying that by five as allowed under the new grant rules. The prevention funds will reimburse producers for the costs of various non-lethal deterrents like range riders, herders, fox lights, fladry, and electric fences. If the funding is provided by the state, the county will then make allocations to producers on an application basis.

• The Union County Board of Commissioners approved the grant application during a regular meeting on February 18, 2026.
• The deadline for the county to apply for the grant funds is February 28, 2026.

What’s next

If the grant funding is approved, the Union County Board of Commissioners will allocate the money to local producers on an application basis to cover their losses and prevention costs.