Bill > HB3657

This bill establishes a Wildlife Damage Prevention and Compensation Pilot Program to help agricultural landowners in Oregon who suffer economic losses due to wildlife damage. The program will be run by the State Department of Agriculture and will operate in up to 10 selected areas east and west of the Cascade Mountains, focusing on regions with significant wildlife-related agricultural damage. Eligible participants must be private landowners or lessees who generate at least $1,000 annually from agricultural production and have implemented "best preventive measures" to deter wildlife. The program will provide compensation for damages to crops, livestock forage, and agricultural infrastructure that are not covered by insurance, including costs for non-lethal wildlife deterrence activities and potential infrastructure improvements like fencing. A dedicated Wildlife Damage Prevention and Compensation Fund will be created in the State Treasury, initially funded with $600,000, to support the pilot program. Participants must demonstrate they have used preventive measures and have not intentionally attracted wildlife. The pilot program will be evaluated through mandatory reports to be submitted by September 15, 2028, and will sunset on January 2, 2030, with any remaining funds reverting to the General Fund. The bill aims to help agricultural producers manage wildlife-related economic risks while promoting collaborative wildlife management strategies.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB3657