In 2011, when OR-7 made headlines as the first documented wolf in California in nearly a century, like many ranchers, I was concerned and felt a sinking feeling that we were about to face a new and serious challenge. We weren’t wrong. Over the years, wolves have expanded their range in California, and with them, so have the threats to our cattle and livelihoods. Unfortunately, I know WLJ readers from other states also know these threats all too well.
Since wolves arrived in the state, the California Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) has spent over a decade aggressively lobbying to shape California’s wolf policy and to ensure the state’s wolf-management policies make sense for ranchers. From the very beginning, ranchers knew if we didn’t act, the consequences would fall squarely on those of us who work the land and raise livestock.
I watched firsthand as ranchers in Siskiyou and Shasta counties first dealt with the wolf. I now understand what they have been facing for a decade as I, along with my neighbors, friends and family in Plumas and Sierra counties are surrounded by as many as four confirmed wolf packs. Wolves are preying on cattle in Lassen County, too. And they are now even in Tulare and Modoc counties. As the ranching community knows, the devastation is more than just financial—it’s emotional. We are called to take care of our livestock, and to see them killed without any meaningful recourse is beyond frustrating. CCA knows this and has been working tirelessly to get real management solutions.
Back in 2014, CCA fought the listing of gray wolves under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA), arguing that the Canadian gray wolves making their way into California weren’t even native to the state. However, despite the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s recommendation against listing the animal and CCA’s best efforts—countless meetings, hearings and legal battles—the Fish and Game Commission ignored the facts and pushed forward with listing the species. CCA then sued the California Fish and Game Commission in 2017, arguing that the CESA listing of gray wolves was illegal. Unfortunately, the court ultimately ruled against CCA.
After that, CCA pivoted to getting a compensation fund created for ranchers whose livestock had been killed by wolves. In 2021, CCA succeeded in securing $3 million for a Wolf-Livestock Compensation Pilot Program—the most comprehensive in the West. When those funds ran dry last year, despite a massive state budget deficit, CCA managed to secure an additional $600,000 in funding to ensure ranchers were compensated for their losses and that the program remained. This victory didn’t come easy, but CCA staff made it happen by building strategic alliances, even with groups traditionally on the other side of this issue.
As we all know, though, compensation does not prevent predation. It also does not address the broader economic uncertainty and stress that comes with living among wolves. What we need are changes in regulations.
Some members ask why we haven’t sued the state again? Believe me, we’ve explored every legal option available with no success. You may also be wondering why CCA doesn’t petition now to delist wolves in California? Our CCA staff advises that there is little reason to think we would be successful with a petition earlier than what the Department’s 2015 Wolf Conservation Plan outlines. According to the plan, once eight breeding pairs are documented for two successive years, the department will conduct a status evaluation of the species and may recommend the commission delist them.
Currently, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) acknowledges seven wolf packs in California, but only five are breeding pairs. However, CCA is presently seeking to ensure this status evaluation is conducted sooner rather than later.
Once California hits the threshold of eight breeding pairs for two successive years, CCA will petition for the species to be delisted (if the commission or CDFW does not do this first). By following this department’s plan, CCA ensures the greatest likelihood of success and the most judicious use of the Association’s resources to get wolves delisted in California.
This doesn’t mean we stop advocating and working on this. CCA staff continues to work on the federal delisting. Our efforts are also focused on where we can make the most impact: securing future funding, pushing for greater transparency from the department, documenting the effects and ensuring that when the time comes, we’re ready to petition for delisting.
CCA is also supporting important research in the meantime. We are fortunate to have great support and research from Drs. Tina Saitone and Ken Tate. Their work is helping us improve our scientific understanding of wolves’ diets, habitat occupancy, movements and more. Their studies and other research that CCA supports better inform our future efforts relative to wolf management.
I know we’re all frustrated, and I will be honest, my patience is running thin. But I believe in what we’re doing and am proud of CCA’s endurance on this challenge. We’re not just advocating for our cattle or our livelihoods—we’re advocating for the future of ranching in California. And as long as wolves continue to spread across our state, you can bet that CCA members and staff will continue to stand up for those of us who are impacted.
If you are a California rancher who wants to be part of this effort, I urge you to get involved with CCA and our Wolf Policy Subcommittee. If you would like to further this conversation with me, whether you are a CCA member or not, please get in touch with me at 530-249-4988. We need every voice, every story, and every bit of support we can get. — Rick Roberti, CCA president
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