Wolf symposium Saturday in La Grande

Speakers at a public symposium Saturday in La Grande will discuss conflicts between wolves and ranchers.

Presenters will talk about the social, environmental and economic impacts wolves might have on Oregonians and on the state’s economy.

“The symposium looks at what we can expect in the future from expansion of the wolf populations,” said Tik Moore, a Baker County rancher who had calves on his ranch near Keating killed by wolves last spring.

The free symposium is open to the public. It’s scheduled from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in the first floor auditorium of Badgley Hall at Eastern Oregon University.

“We are excited to get everyone in the same room to address these challenges with key environmental and wildlife experts seated at the table,” said Bill Hoyt, president of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association. “This is an incredible opportunity to have a discussion that could lead to a well-balanced solution.” 

The keynote speaker is Jim Beers, former chief of national wildlife refuge operations for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Beers has written and spoken extensively about the federal wolf program and its effects on rural areas.

Another speaker is Casey Anderson, who was born in Pendleton, grew up on a ranch and now manages the OX Ranch in Idaho. He will address wolf interactions with livestock, depredation, compensation and cattle behavior as well as the recent Idaho/Oregon Wolf Research Study made possible with funding by the Oregon Beef Council.