A Rural Assemblywoman Brings Reality to Sacramento
Assemblywoman District 1
Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick represents California’s Assembly District 1, a vast and deeply rural region spanning 11 counties across the far North State. In a candid interview on Ag Meter, Hadwick detailed how California’s expanding wolf population—and broader predator management failures—are threatening ranchers, public safety, and the rural way of life.
Raised in Siskiyou County and now living in Modoc County, Hadwick brings firsthand agricultural experience to Sacramento. Before politics, she worked as a teacher and emergency manager while running a family pumpkin farm and raising Highland cattle. She says much of her work in the Capitol involves educating lawmakers unfamiliar with rural California.
Why She Ran—and What’s at Stake
Hadwick said she never planned to enter politics, but wildfire disasters and persistent policy disconnect pushed her to act. A key motivation was her children. Like many rural families, she worries California is becoming unaffordable and inhospitable for the next generation. One of her sons now attends college in Nebraska, where he sees more opportunity and a lower cost of living.
“That’s why I’m working so hard,” Hadwick said, “to create a California where our kids can come home and thrive.”
Wolves Move Into Communities
While wolves have been present in Northern California for nearly a decade, Hadwick says their impacts have intensified dramatically. As deer, elk, and antelope populations decline, wolves are moving into valleys, ranchlands, and even residential areas.
One wolf pack was responsible for an estimated 120 cattle kills in a single summer. Strict state protections prevent ranchers from hazing or defending against wolves, leaving them to watch repeated losses. Wolves have been spotted near schools, playgrounds, and neighborhoods—creating widespread fear.
Legislative Action and the Fight for Balance
Hadwick is introducing two bills to address the crisis. One would allow county sheriffs to declare a public safety emergency and authorize action during wolf depredation events. The second focuses on transparency, requiring more timely sharing of wolf collar location data so ranchers can act proactively rather than after losses occur.
She acknowledges coexistence may be required under California law—but insists ranchers must be given real tools, not just regulations.
“If the state won’t allow property protection,” Hadwick said, “then the state needs to pay for the damage.”
More Than Economic Loss
Hadwick stressed the issue goes beyond dollars. Families live with constant anxiety. Parents no longer let children play outside after finding wolf tracks near their homes. Ranchers lose sleep patrolling calving grounds, increasing risks of exhaustion and accidents.
“These are impacts you can’t quantify,” she said.
A Broader Predator Crisis
Wolves are only part of the problem. Northern California also has some of the highest densities of mountain lions and black bears in the nation. Fatal attacks have already occurred, yet efforts to allow limited hazing or targeted management have been rejected.
According to Hadwick, California’s ecosystem is dangerously out of balance.
A Call to Engage
Hadwick urged Californians to follow pending legislation, submit public comments, and support rural voices.
“This is about food security, safety, and our way of life,” she said.
🎧 Listen to the full Ag Meter interview to hear Assemblywoman Hadwick’s complete breakdown of the wolf crisis, predator policy failures, and what comes next for rural California.