Livestock and Community Protection Districts (HB 2403) - A Solution to a Growing Problem

HB 2403 reestablishes the ability for landowners to form Livestock and Community Protection Districts, formerly known as predator control districts. These are voluntary, locally organized, and locally funded efforts that empower communities to manage predatory animals like bears, cougars, coyotes, and more.

5th generation farmer, Matthew Brady testifies in support of HB 2403.

Importantly, the bill imposes no new taxes on the general public. Instead, it gives farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners the choice to contribute toward predator management services in their counties.

This bill is built on the success of a 2015 law that created similar districts but expired in 2022. Since then, Oregon’s rural communities have been left with fewer tools to prevent and respond to attacks on livestock. HB 2403 revives the model with updates, including a clearer definition of “predatory animals” and an expanded list of species impacting our farms and forests.

For more information, please refer to our written testimony here:

HB2403 LK Testimony.pdf

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