In February, when a federal court ruling put wolves back on the endangered species list in much of the West and most of Oregon, we were immediately struck by one salient fact: the dividing line between state management and more restrictive federal management of this controversial species runs right through the middle of Grant County.

The map above, created by our page designer, Randy Wrighthouse, illustrates the situation beautifully. In this county, perhaps more than anywhere else, ranchers are confronted with two different management standards for a predator that threatens their herds on both sides of the line. 

We wanted to know how this change was impacting livestock producers in Grant County. Reporter Steven Mitchell spoke to several of them, including two who have sustained losses from confirmed or suspected wolf kills, and found them skeptical that the government — state or federal — had their best interests at heart. 

Steven also spoke with wildlife managers, law enforcement officers and environmentalists, and the result is a deeply reported, nuanced look at a challenging issue that promises to remain highly controversial for years to come.

Other stories in last week’s edition of the Blue Mountain Eagle covered rising fuel costs, a new school superintendent, a legal challenge to an upcoming pool bond measure, and the first homestand of the season for the Grant Union baseball team.

Coming up this week: Watch for stories on expansion plans for the Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site, John Day’s first street fair of the season, upcoming fundraisers for a Mt. Vernon woman who needs a kidney transplant, and the Grant Union softball and baseball teams.

As always, I want to take this opportunity to thank our subscribers for their support. We can’t do this work without you!