Chapter 792 Oregon Laws 2001

AN ACT

HB 2049

Relating to wildlife damage control.

Whereas crop losses and livestock deaths due to wildlife damage cost farmers millions of dollars each year; and

Whereas additional millions of dollars in costs accrue to Oregon farmers and ranchers from wildlife damage to structures, veterinarian costs to treat injured livestock and preventative measures to deter wildlife; and

Whereas Oregon farmers and ranchers voluntarily provide significant habitat for Oregon wildlife and the appropriate management of wildlife populations is imperative so as to not create undue economic hardship to Oregon farmers, ranchers and other landowners; now, therefore,

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

SECTION 1. The Legislative Assembly finds and declares that it is the policy of this state that:

(1) Appropriate measures must be taken to assist farmers, ranchers and others in resolving wildlife damage problems; and

(2) Federal, state, county and other local governments involved in wildlife damage control should mutually cooperate in their related efforts.

SECTION 2. (1) The Director of Agriculture and the State Fish and Wildlife Director shall jointly appoint a Wildlife Damage Advisory Council. Persons appointed to the council serve at the pleasure of the directors. The council shall meet semiannually to review information and make recommendations to state agencies and institutions regarding the development and coordination of programs and activities, and to assist farmers, ranchers and other landowners in addressing wildlife damage problems. The last semiannual meeting of the council shall be held prior to June 1, 2003. Members of the council are not entitled to compensation or expenses under ORS 292.495.

(2) The State Department of Agriculture and the State Department of Fish and Wildlife shall jointly report to an appropriate committee of the Seventy-second Legislative Assembly regarding the activities of the Wildlife Damage Advisory Council.

SECTION 3. Section 2 of this 2001 Act is repealed January 2, 2004.

Approved by the Governor July 18, 2001

Filed in the office of Secretary of State July 18, 2001

Effective date January 1, 2002

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