Ag News Roundup

In today’s Ag News Roundup, cutting and leaving western juniper not having intended effect on invasive grasses, Washington’s wolf population grows again, gypsy moth plan out for public comment, wolves impact Oregon rancher, and millions issued to protect and grow job opportunities in Washington state.

Invasive Grasses May Increase with Cutting of Western Juniper

According to a report from the Oregon State University College of Agricultural Sciences published in the Journal Rangeland Ecology and Management, cutting down and leaving western juniper is not enough to reduce grass problems. The move to cut down western junipers throughout the Northern Great Basin, including Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Nevada, may be causing an increase of invasive grasses and more juniper saplings.

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Wolf Population Grows to 122 in Washington State

While the pace of growth was slower than in previous years, the number of wolves in Washington grew to 122, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The number of packs also increased from 20 to 22. The WDFW is continuing to keep a close watch on the packs.

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Gypsy Moth Environmental Documents Available

The Washington Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has put its proposal to eradicate gypsy moths in Western Washington on public display. The public, from farmers and ranchers to environmental groups is being encouraged to make comments on the plan that will impact 1,300 acres. The documents can be found online at www.agr.wa.gov/gypsymoth.

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Wolves Impacting Rancher in Prospect, Oregon

The owner of the Mill-Mar Ranch near the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has endured three confirmed wolf kills on his cow-calf and hay operation. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services confirmed the three cases. The agency suspects the Rogue pack.

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Millions Slated for Grays Harbor/Pacific County Projects

The Washington Department of Natural Resource has announced that nearly $3.5 million will be invested in four projects. Those include job-creating initiatives as well as job-protecting projects and learning opportunities in the Port of Willapa Harbor, Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor, the Port of Ilwaco, and a learning laboratory at Kalama Middle-High School.

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