The 14-member committee was appointed in June by the Fish and Wildlife Commission to help study all the issues surrounding wolves in Oregon and to recommend management actions that will be used once a permanent population establishes itself.
No wolves are confirmed to be in Oregon at this time. However, numerous unconfirmed sightings have been documented. Biologists expect wolves to enter Oregon from the expanding population in Idaho and eventually establish a permanent population.
The Commission decided earlier this year to proactively develop a wolf management plan so the state is prepared for wolves. This decision came after hearing from many wolf experts and the results of 15 town hall meetings held nearly a year ago.
The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission is the policy-making body for fish and wildlife issues in the state. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife carries out the policies of the Commission.
The agenda of the first meeting of the Wolf Advisory Committee includes an overview of the committee's task, a review of wolf planning efforts to date, discussion of committee operation guidelines, discussion of draft Wolf Management Plan framework and confirmation of future meeting dates.
The official meeting will begin at 1 p.m. in the Silver Falls Conference Center on Wednesday, November 19. Wednesday's discussions are expected to conclude at 5:15 p.m. The meeting will re-start at 8 a.m., Thursday, November 20, and will conclude at 12:30 p.m.
Members of the public may watch the proceedings. No oral public comments will be taken at this meeting. Members of the public may submit written comments. Forms will be provided at the meeting. Written comments also may be submitted to ODFW.Comments@state.or.us.
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