Written testimony by April 18th can be sent to:
    Beth Patrino, Committee Administrator
    beth.patrino@state.or.us 
    900 Court Street NE, Room 348
    Salem, OR 97301
    (503)986-1751

HB 2295 Talking Points:
 
·        The Oregon Cattlemen’s Association is aware that the reintroduction of the Gray Wolf into a neighboring state would also have the same effect of reintroducing them in Oregon.  The Gray Wolf is here and will reproduce.  ODF&W indicated in March 2007 in their testimony to USFWS;  “C. Two of the three previously confirmed wolves in Oregon were located on or near the proposed DPS boundary. This indicates a propensity for wolves to easily travel that distance from Idaho and also makes probable that further travels would be expected.”
·        The long history of wolf reduction and extirpation in Oregon has been for the purpose of predator control for the many families raising livestock for personal consumption and for commodity sale.
·        The wolf is once again a predatory threat and Oregon livestock producers must have the right to protect their property. 
·        Oregon livestock producers must be able to take a gray wolf without a permit if the wolf is “attacking, biting, molesting, chasing or harassing:”  HB 2295 and OAR 635-110-0010 do not allow a property owner to protect their property by “taking a gray wolf without a permit if the gray wolf is attacking, biting, molesting, chasing or harassing:”  Oregon Cattlemen's Association must have this amendment in order to support HB 2295.
·        The Oregon Wolf Management Plan and HB 2295 must align with the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) so that immediately upon gray wolf delisting, at the federal level, the Oregon livestock producers, property owners and citizens can act accordingly.  Oregon Cattlemen's Association must have this amendment in order to support HB 2295.
·        The Oregon Cattlemen’s Association believes it is important that the Oregon Legislature and the Governor make it a priority to protect the livestock industry in Oregon as one of the largest contributors to the economy of the state.
·        Cattle are the second largest agricultural commodity in Oregon with cash receipts of over $520 million annually.  Sheep rank 36th among all agricultural commodities with cash receipts of about $11 million annually.  Of the total value of livestock and livestock products in Oregon cattle and calves are 52% and sheep and lambs are 1%.  In 2006 the average value per head of cattle was $1,050 and $128 per head of sheep.  Therefore, it takes over 8 sheep to equal the value of one cow. There are 1.44 million cattle in Oregon with 60.8% being located in Northeastern and Southeastern Oregon.  Harney and Malheur County have 317,000 head of cattle.  There are 220,000 sheep in Oregon with over 52% located in the Northwest.  17.6% of all sheep are located in Northeastern and Southeastern Oregon. (2005-2006 Oregon Agricultural & Fisheries Statistics).
·        The Oregon Cattlemen’s Association believes it must be a legislative priority to provide ODF&W the tools necessary to manage the wildlife population of the state.  The predator population has been on an incline in recent years and ODF&W has fallen short of their management objectives in numerous areas.