Local government

With rural housing bill for Malheur County stalled, compromise may get it moving again

As the legislative deadline to move a bill along in the Oregon Legislature intended to open up housing in Malheur County fast approaches in the face of scrutiny from several conservation groups around the state, local leaders have hammered out a compromise they believe will make all parties happy and garner enough of votes to move the legislation out of committee.

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Standing photo - agriculture onions farming irrigation (The Enterprise/file)

Bill to shift predator management sparks farmer concerns

Supporters of a bill giving state wildlife officials control over regulating all control over predators in and outside of agricultural lands say the legislation would allow a commission to manage animals classified as “predatory” while not hindering farmers and ranchers from protecting their property. Meanwhile, local leaders contend that such a bill will diminish the county’s protection against crop and livestock damage.

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