Idaho wolves are moving into Oregon, but soon wolves in Eastern Oregon will no longer be a federally protected species (assuming delisting actually happens). However, Oregon has its own strict, but only partially completed state wolf plan. So wolves will remain legally protected in Eastern Oregon (but by the state).
According to the Wallowa County [Oregon] Chieftain, the situation is one of uncertainty that might cause ranchers to get more friendly with Defenders of Wildlife and also hope that the conservation groups opposing delisting win their suit.
Making friends with the enemy. By Kathleen Ellyn. Wallowa County Chieftain Reporter
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Note that should any wolves make it to western or central Oregon, they will remain a federally protected endangered species (not an experimental population) as well as have Oregon state protection.
Ralph Maughan
Dr. Ralph Maughan is professor emeritus of political science at Idaho State University. He was a Western Watersheds Project Board Member off and on for many years, and was also its President for several years. For a long time he produced Ralph Maughan's Wolf Report. He was a founder of the Greater Yellowstone Coalition. He and Jackie Johnson Maughan wrote three editions of "Hiking Idaho." He also wrote "Beyond the Tetons" and "Backpacking Wyoming's Teton and Washakie Wilderness." He created and is the administrator of The Wildlife News.
