I want to take this opportunity to update you on some important legislation in Congress which would affect the management of gray wolves in Oregon.  The State Sovereignty Wildlife Management Act (H.R. 6485), which I recently cosponsored, would remove gray wolves from the endangered species list and return management authority to the states.  

The regulation of wolves has fluctuated throughout the years; however, I firmly believe each state is best equipped to regulate its own wolf populations. Since 1994, when wolves were returned to Yellowstone National Park and parts of Idaho, wolf populations have rapidly expanded across the West and reached the recovery goals set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In 2009, the Obama Administration removed Oregon's wolves from the endangered species list and placed them under the state's management plan. Unfortunately, due to a ruling by a federal judge in August 2010, all wolves west of Montana were placed back on the endangered species list, and regulation of the species was returned to the federal government.

Since crossing into Oregon from Idaho, wolves have established two confirmed packs in Wallowa County and, according to biologists, will continue to expand their territory westward. As their populations have grown, so too have their impacts on livestock producers. According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, over 10 cows and 20 sheep have been killed by wolves in Oregon over the past two years, resulting in losses to ranchers and, ultimately, the local economy. The state of Oregon has been recognized in the past for having a sufficient wolf management plan and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is ready to implement and execute that management plan if given the opportunity. I fully support returning the management of wolves back to the states, where the wolves can be managed for the unique and individual needs of each state's communities and wildlife, and H.R. 6485 would do just that.

As the new Congress approaches, I will continue this effort to return wolf management to the states. It is an honor to represent you in the U.S. Congress.