Wolf Corner

Blue Mountains Biodiversity Project supports and advocates for the full recovery of wolves in Oregon and across their historic range. Wolves fill vital roles in ecosystems, and are essential to maintaining processes and functions in the natural systems in which they evolved. For example, wolves prevent damage to streams and riparian habitats from ungulates; this, in turn, helps to support native populations of fish, birds, and riparian vegetation. The presence of wolves contributes to healthier soils, helps to sustain robust populations of birds of prey, and may buffer the negative effects of climate change on ecosystems.

Blue Mountains Biodiversity Project works to raise awareness about wolves and wolf recovery in Oregon, and engages in the public processes to advocate for strong protections for wolves.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is responsible for making decisions regarding wolves and wildlife in Oregon. As part of the decision-making process, ODFW hears the public’s opinion on specific management issues, directions, and plans. Part of ODFW’s decision making processes usually involve requests through public comment, either in written form or as testimony at a public hearing. You can sign up to receive ODFW’s notices of their upcoming meetings, public hearings, and wolf-related updates HERE.

Anyone can testify when ODFW holds a meeting and invites public testimony– including you! Testimony is usually limited to approximately 3-5 minutes for each member of the public. If you wish to testify, you must put your name on the testimony sign-up sheet that will be available at the hearing. We recommend signing up as early as possible, preferably when the meeting starts (usually 8 am). It is helpful to have a written copy of your testimony, and to make 20 hard copies of your testimony to give to the commissioners. BMBP sample testimony from a past ODFW public hearing about wolves can be found here.

Comments on wolves and other wildlife issues in Oregon can be emailed to the commission at: odfw.commission@state.or.us. Be sure to include your name and address.