Deschutes County to apply for wolf depredation and prevention grants after committee recommends expanded compensation
January 28, 2026 | Deschutes County, Oregon
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Deschutes County commissioners voted Jan. 28 to apply for state wolf depredation and prevention grant funds on recommendations from the Wolf Depredation and Financial Compensation Committee.
The committee initially recommended a 3x multiplier for a confirmed calf depredation (placing the compensation claim at $1,500) and recommended funding of up to $34,000 for preventative measures for the affected rancher, $5,000 (half requested amount) for a specialized guard dog request, and $6,000 to support a carcass‑removal program and partner equipment. During board discussion commissioners adjusted the depredation multiplier to 4x for the calf (raising the compensation to $2,000) and approved a county application total of $47,000 to submit to the Oregon Department of Agriculture's grant program.
Committee staff and commissioners emphasized the limited statewide pool of funds and the policy changes enacted by Senate Bill 777, which allows multipliers but did not increase the state pool. Staff noted ODA had no federal match dollars for the state program this year and that the state’s pool was limited to roughly $600,000 for the year, increasing competition for awards.
Why it matters: commissioners said they want to support producers who suffered confirmed depredation losses while also investing in nonlethal prevention measures (electric fencing, deterrents, carcass removal) intended to reduce future conflicts.
Board action: motion to apply for the recommended grant items and to adjust the depredation multiplier to 4x was moved and seconded; the board voted to submit the $47,000 application to ODA.
Sources: Wolf Committee staff presentation and recorded board vote at the Jan. 28 meeting.
The committee initially recommended a 3x multiplier for a confirmed calf depredation (placing the compensation claim at $1,500) and recommended funding of up to $34,000 for preventative measures for the affected rancher, $5,000 (half requested amount) for a specialized guard dog request, and $6,000 to support a carcass‑removal program and partner equipment. During board discussion commissioners adjusted the depredation multiplier to 4x for the calf (raising the compensation to $2,000) and approved a county application total of $47,000 to submit to the Oregon Department of Agriculture's grant program.
Committee staff and commissioners emphasized the limited statewide pool of funds and the policy changes enacted by Senate Bill 777, which allows multipliers but did not increase the state pool. Staff noted ODA had no federal match dollars for the state program this year and that the state’s pool was limited to roughly $600,000 for the year, increasing competition for awards.
Why it matters: commissioners said they want to support producers who suffered confirmed depredation losses while also investing in nonlethal prevention measures (electric fencing, deterrents, carcass removal) intended to reduce future conflicts.
Board action: motion to apply for the recommended grant items and to adjust the depredation multiplier to 4x was moved and seconded; the board voted to submit the $47,000 application to ODA.
Sources: Wolf Committee staff presentation and recorded board vote at the Jan. 28 meeting.
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