Benton County Agriculture And Wildlife Co-Existence Program Accepting Grant Applications Through Nov. 30 (Photo) - 10/01/26

CORVALLIS, Ore. — The Benton County Agriculture and Wildlife Protection Program (AWPP) will be open for general applications from Benton County farmers Oct. 1 through Nov. 30. The grant program for farmers promotes agriculture and wildlife co-existence by funding non-lethal wildlife deterrents to prevent losses to livestock, crops and property.

Agricultural operations of all sizes and income levels may apply for up to $5,000 in reimbursements for the purchase of non-lethal wildlife deterrents. These may include standard or electric fencing, sound or light scare devices, fladry or flagging, protective animal housing, livestock guardian animals and other approved options.

Property owners experiencing conflicts with beavers, such as tree damage or flooding, can also apply year-round for installation of proven methods to protect trees and crops or prevent flooding.

The AWPP also provides resources for farmers about non-lethal wildlife deterrence and can help guide interested community members in creating successful deterrent plans.

Grant applications and instructions may be downloaded from the AWPP website. Grant awards will be announced in early January, Successful applicants will have until April 30, 2027, to install their projects and request reimbursement after an on-site visit by Benton County staff.

Since 2017, AWPP has provided 50 awards totaling $168,048. Awards are made based upon the applicant’s philosophy of animal damage control, quality of application and likely effectiveness of the proposed plan. Successful applicants must provide a 10% funding match via labor or materials purchases.

The AWPP funds deterrents for wild predator species and beavers, but does not fund deterrents for deer, turkey or elk.

Find more information and application instructions on the Benton County website.

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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 the Public Affairs Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

Benton County Elections To Host Town Hall On October 8 - 09/24/26

CORVALLIS, Ore. — With the General Election approaching Nov. 3, Benton County invites the community to learn about their voting rights and best practices at a Town Hall. The event will be held Thursday, Oct. 8 at 3 p.m. in the Kalapuya Building, 4500 SW Research Way in Corvallis.

People can also participate remotely with a virtual meeting option. A Zoom link will be posted on the County’s website at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.

The Town Hall is an opportunity for community members to ask questions and talk about voting concerns with a panel of Elections staff.  Following a short presentation about election processes and timelines, the remainder of the two-hour meeting will be dedicated to Q&A.

Recent federal attempts to change voting practices have left voters with questions about what to expect from this election and how to ensure their vote is counted. Benton County Clerk Darla Rush and her staff have received more questions in recent weeks than they would normally get before an election.

“For weeks, the local and national news have been filled with conflicting information about vote-by-mail, and people are understandably concerned,” said Rush. “At the Town Hall, they can get facts about voting and be confident that their ballot will be received and counted.”

Benton County recommends voters take these steps:

1. As soon as possible (no later than Oct. 13), check voter registration status and mailing address on the MyVote webpage.

2. Use the Official Voters’ Pamphlet to research candidates and measures before ballots are mailed.

3. When a ballot is received, don’t wait to fill it out! Complete and return it early in case questions arrive during processing.

4. Return ballots in secure drop boxes whenever possible. If you must mail it, drop it in the mailbox 7-10 days before Election Day.

5. To confirm your ballot was received, check the MyVote webpage or call the Benton County Elections Office at 541-766-6756.

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