Some information on wolf control programs won’t be made public

OLYMPIA – People involved in state efforts to keep wolves from attacking livestock would have their personal information kept from the public, under a bill that received final legislative approval Thursday.

The House agreed to a compromise measure that exempts ranchers, farmers and others involved in nonlethal efforts to fight wolf “depradations” from having their names, addresses or other personal information released under the state’s Public Records Act.

Rep. Jacquelin Maycumber, R-Republic, said farmers and ranchers involved in efforts to protect their livestock and property have had their families threatened. “It’s unfortunate this bill is necessary,” she said.

Rep. Zack Hudgins, D-Tukwila, said the controversy over wolves returning to parts of the state prompted efforts makes it necessary to keep that information from the public. But the bill has a clause that would make it available in five years when feelings have changed and those protections might not be necessary, he said.