Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick (R-Alturas) announced she is holding a press conference to share updates on her wolf legislative package and funding request. We encourage ranchers, farmers, and community members to join us and share their experiences so Sacramento can hear firsthand how the wolf crisis is impacting rural California.
The legislative package was introduced to provide ranchers and farmers more tools to safely and successfully coexist with wildlife while protecting their livelihoods. The bills include AB 1673 and AB 1722, two bills focused on addressing growing concerns from agricultural communities across Assembly District 1.
“The wolf crisis is no longer a future concern—it’s happening right now in communities across my district,” said Assemblywoman Hadwick. “Ranchers are experiencing real losses, real costs, and real impacts. This legislation is about giving them the tools, resources, and support they need to continue feeding California and keeping their operations viable.”
AB 1673-Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Funding was recently amended to include updated language allowing livestock producers to use pepper-ball deterrents to haze wolves and protect their animals and property. The bill seeks to give ranchers practical, nonlethal tools to respond to wildlife threats and reduce conflicts between livestock and predators.
AB 1722- Self-Defense Protection protects Californians from penalties under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) when acting in legitimate self-defense or protecting others from immediate harm. The bill clarifies current law and does not apply to federally protected species, including gray wolves.
Funding Ask Additional funding for the Wolf-Livestock Compensation Fund is critical for ranchers in Assembly District 1. As wolf populations grow, so do livestock losses, and ranching families need timely reimbursement when their animals are killed or injured. This funding helps ensure ranchers are not left carrying the financial burden alone. Despite the growing crisis, there is currently no funding in the state budget dedicated to wolf depredation. In fact, the Governor included $1 million for depredation assistance in the May Revision, but the Legislature ultimately removed it from the final budget.
Assemblywoman Hadwick is also requesting additional funding for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to provide more staff and resources to respond to the growing wolf crisis. Learn more about her request by reading her budget letter here.
Together, these investments will help support ranchers and farmers across the district and provide practical tools to address the increasing impacts of wolves on rural communities.
Assemblywoman Hadwick remains committed to protecting California’s agricultural communities and ensuring ranchers have the support they need to continue their way of life.
Please join the Assemblywoman for a Press Conference in Sacramento on July 1 to highlight these important issues. In addition to the Assemblywoman, speakers will include sheriffs, ranchers and constituents of Assembly District 1.
Location: 10th and N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Date and Time: July 1, 2026 at 11 a.m.
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Contact: Hannah Skaggs (916) 319-2001
Assemblywoman Hadwick represents the 1st Assembly District which includes Alpine, Amador, El Dorado, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, and Siskiyou counties.
