Coastal Ag News Roundup

In today’s Ag News Roundup, gray wolves may be taken off endangered species list, pesticide use in schools decreasing, Yakima basin may see some water shortages, a wolf on the Oregon coast kills 23 sheep, and red alder trees may be key to healthier forests.

Fed Plans to Delist Wolves from Endangered Species List

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to remove gray wolves from the endangered species list across the lower 48 states. Officials say the plan would return management of the wolves to states and tribes. In addition, the move would give ranchers more ability to protect livestock.

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Pesticide Use in Schools Decreasing

Thanks to training from Oregon State University Extension Service, school districts throughout Oregon have reduced pesticide use. OSU discovered the shift from survey results, which were then published in the Journal of Extension.

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Yakima Basin Might Experience Slight Water Shortage

According to the Washington Ag Network, forecast water supplies show that senior water rights should easily be fulfilled, but that there could be a shortage beyond that. Water supply forecasts will be supplied monthly to keep ranchers and farmers updated.

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Wolf May have Killed 23 Sheep on Oregon Coast

Just under two-dozen sheep were killed by a wolf on the Oregon Coast, according to an investigation by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

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Forest Health Improved by Nitrogen-fixing Trees

Researchers from Oregon State University along with the U.S. Geological Survey have published findings in the Journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences showing that red alder trees help improve forest ecosystem health. Thanks to a symbiotic relationship between the red alder and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, rock is broken down faster, releasing more mineral nutrients.

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