Wasco County Wolf Committee to Review Livestock Losses, Funding at Monday Meeting
By Joshuah Albert
The Dalles, Ore. Feb. 20, 2026 — The Wasco County Wolf Depredation Compensation Committee will meet Monday evening to review livestock losses, consider funding applications, and continue its work supporting local ranchers affected by wolf activity.
The committee is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, in the Kramer Conference Room at 401 E. Third St., with virtual participation also available. Agenda items include reviewing reported wolf depredation from December 2025, approving business members, and discussing funding requests and future meeting dates.
The committee oversees Wasco County’s participation in Oregon’s Wolf Depredation Compensation and Financial Assistance County Block Grant Program, a statewide effort created in 2011 to address financial losses suffered by livestock producers due to wolf attacks. The program was established by House Bill 3560 and is administered through the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
At the local level, the Wasco County committee reviews compensation claims from ranchers who lose livestock to confirmed or probable wolf depredation. The committee helps distribute state and federal grant funds to reimburse producers for losses and to support prevention efforts designed to reduce future attacks.
Those prevention measures can include installing protective fencing, funding range riders to monitor livestock, removing carcasses that attract wolves and deploying deterrent devices such as flashing lights and alarm systems. State guidelines require counties to spend at least 30% of program funds on prevention strategies to reduce conflicts before they occur.
The committee itself is made up of a diverse group of stakeholders, including a county commissioner, livestock producers, business representatives and individuals representing wolf conservation interests. This structure is intended to balance economic concerns with wildlife management goals while ensuring decisions reflect local conditions.
Compensation is provided after incidents are investigated and confirmed or classified as probable wolf depredation by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Counties establish compensation rates based on fair market value.
Wasco County is one of 18 counties participating in the program, reflecting the continued presence of wolves across Eastern Oregon and the need for local oversight and support.
By reviewing claims, distributing funds and promoting prevention, the Wasco County Wolf Depredation Compensation Committee serves as a critical link between ranchers, wildlife officials and the broader community.
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