Benton County awards non-lethal wildlife deterrent grants

Benton County’s Agricultural and Wildlife Protection Program (AWPP) has awarded over $22,000 in non-lethal wildlife deterrent grants to Benton County farmers. 

Farms of any size in Benton County can apply for up to $5,000 to purchase non-lethal deterrents to protect livestock and crops from wild predators and beaver. Applications are open annually October through November and are reviewed by an award committee comprised of Benton County staff, representatives from the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, OSU Extension, Chintimini Wildlife Center, and an at-large citizen member.   

“We had a record number of outstanding applications this year and were able to fund several very high-quality proposals this grant round. Besides our annual grant cycle, we do have funds available year-round for residents dealing with impacts from beavers,” said Sheanna Steingass, AWPP Coordinator. Emergency funding is available for non-lethal deterrents such as pond levelers, tree fencing, or other devices to prevent damage without trapping or removing beaver from their habitat.

The AWPP grant program is in its sixth year. This year’s grantees are located throughout the County and include a variety of non-lethal deterrent projects including livestock guardian animals, new and updated fencing, and animal housing.   

The next round of grant applications will be open October 1, with awards announced the first week of January 2025. Learn more about the AWPP.

Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact Cory Grogan at 541-745-4468 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.