Wolf Kill & Drought Conditions

Idaho Fish and Game released a statement on Monday that a number of wolves had been killed and why. The Ag Networks KayDee Gilkey has more.

GILKEY: 19 wolves have been killed in northern Idaho in an effort to reduce wolf numbers and increase the elk population according to Fish and Wildlife officials. Elk numbers in the region have dropped dramatically over the past 26 years with an estimation that the numbers were around 16,000 in 1989 whereas now they could be as low as 1,000. The experts suggest that in addition to wolf predation that changes in the elks habitat is making it less suitable.

There is a growing concern that 2015 could be a dangerous fire year due to drought conditions. The early spring and warm temperatures are leading some experts in Oregon to estimate this as the driest year in the last 25. Senator Wyden attended fire briefings in Medford and Eugene and says it looks like it will be a difficult season. Washington State is being proactive. They haven't declared a drought yet but have asked the the Legislature for $9 million for drought relief in case it's needed. Officials in both states are watching the weather and hoping for much needed rain while still planning for the worst.

That's today's Northwest Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network of the West.