The wolf populations have grown to more than 1,500 since they were reintroduced into Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho in the mid ‘90s, and wolves have been traced onto Oregon ranchlands. At Oregon State University – Cascades upcoming Science Pub on Tuesday, Oct. 18, OSU rangeland science expert John Williams will present “Wolves in Oregon: Facts, Research, Issues,” an exploration how wolves and cattle interact on ranches in eastern Oregon.
Williams is an associate professor in the department of rangeland resources in OSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences and works as a natural resources extension agent in Wallowa County. He has been an OSU Extension agent for nearly three decades and has lived in Wallowa County for 22 years where he also ranches.
For the past eight years Williams has been a member of a research team studying the impacts of the presence of wolves on livestock. This multi-state study includes OSU, University of Idaho, the Agricultural Research Service and ranchers in both Idaho and Oregon.
He has also worked in Wallowa County on several public policy issues such as the Endangered Species Act listing of the Snake River Chinook salmon and the wolf. He helped create a Natural Resource Advisory Committee in the county which works to aid federal and state agencies in the development of appropriate policies and decisions when they involve local lands, animals or people.
Williams holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a Master of Agriculture in animal science, rangeland resources and agricultural resource economics.
Science Pubs engage community members in the work underway by Oregon State researchers from both the Corvallis and Bend campuses. Since 2009, OSU-Cascades has hosted about 50 Science Pubs on topics ranging from fermentation science to forest fires to autism.
Science Pubs take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Networking and food and beverage service begin at 5:30 p.m., and the presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. Science Pubs are free to community members, but reservations are required. Space is limited to 100 guests. Register by 5:00 p.m. the day prior to each Science Pub at http://www.osucascades.edu/sciencepubs.
About OSU-Cascades: Oregon State University’s campus in Bend, Ore. features outstanding faculty in degree programs that reflect Central Oregon’s vibrant economy and abundant natural resources. Nearly 20 undergraduate majors, 30 minors and options, and four graduate programs include computer science, energy systems engineering, kinesiology, hospitality management, and tourism and outdoor leadership. OSU-Cascades expanded to a four-year university in fall 2015; its new campus opened in fall 2016.