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For Immediate Release
Defenders Pays $62,000 in Wolf/Grizzly Compensation During 2000
Defenders of Wildlife today announced that it has paid $62,190 in 2000 to ranchers for livestock losses caused by wolves and grizzly bears in the Northern Rockies and the Southwest.
Compensation payments were highest for wolves in central Idaho, where Defenders paid 16 ranchers $20,322.50 for 19 cattle, 56 sheep, and one guard dog. Despite drought, forest fires and expansion of grizzly bear range, compensation payments for grizzlies declined from 1998 and 1999 levels.
Since Defenders started its private compensation programs (the wolf compensation program began in 1987 and the Grizzly Compensation Trust in 1997), it has paid ranchers approximately $206,088.72.
"While overall livestock losses to wolves and bears are not significant industry-wide, they can cause economic hardship for individual producers," said Rodger Schlickeisen, president of Defenders of Wildlife. "Our compensation program seeks to shift economic responsibility for wolves away from individual ranchers and toward the millions of people in this country who support the conservation of large predators."
Compensation payments for wolf damage increased from approximately $37,000 in 1999 to over $51,000 in 2000.
According Defenders of Wildlife Program Associate Minette Johnson, "The good news is that both wolf and grizzly bears are expanding their ranges and numbers outside of national parks and designated wilderness areas. As they do so, it’s predictable that higher livestock losses will occur. Even so, the livestock losses in 2000 are still well below the level that the Environmental Impact Statement predicted for wolf reintroduction in Yellowstone. We seek to promote landowner tolerance for large predators by reducing to acceptable levels the economic loss these animals may sometimes cause."
"While we are committed to carnivore restoration, it is not our intent for this restoration to occur at the expense of livestock producers. We hope that our responsiveness encourages what we seek in exchange; tolerance from livestock producers and the general public for wolves and grizzly bears that are not bothering livestock," said Craig Miller, Southern Rockies director for Defenders of Wildlife.
In December, Defenders announced creation of a new Proactive Carnivore Conservation Fund that provides money for collaborative on-the-ground efforts to reduce potential conflict between large predators and livestock. Such projects may involve electric fencing, livestock guarding dogs, scare devices or finding alternative grazing lands. "Our success at expanding the range of the grizzly bear and wolf in the West will be directly proportional to how successful we are at reducing conflict between these species and livestock," said Schlickeisen.
Defenders’ compensation trusts received a significant boost in late 2000 when The Bailey Wildlife Foundation made a major contribution. In recognition of this donation, Defenders has renamed the funds The Bailey Wildlife Foundation Wolf and Grizzly Compensation Trusts. Defenders maintains a balance of at least $200,000 in The Bailey Wildlife Foundation Wolf Compensation Trust at all times. The Bailey Wildlife Foundation Grizzly Compensation Trust is maintained at the level of $100,000.
Here’s how Defenders’ programs work. If a rancher believes a grizzly bear or wolf has killed livestock, he or she notifies the appropriate state, tribal or federal agency. A trained specialist, usually on the scene within 24 hours, investigates to determine if wolves or grizzly bears were responsible for the death of the livestock. They rely on necropsy techniques (all predators have unique styles for killing their prey) and the presence of tracks, hair or scat. If the investigator verifies that wolves or grizzly bears killed the livestock, a report is sent to Defenders of Wildlife.
A Defenders’ staff member from the region then calls the rancher to discuss the incident, explain our compensation program and agree on a payment amount.
In nine out of ten cases, Defenders of Wildlife pays what the livestock producer suggests. In case of a difference of opinion, the program relies on county extension agents to determine fair market value, but that rarely happens.
Defenders tries to send a check to the rancher within two weeks of receiving verification of a livestock loss.
According to Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Mike Finley, "Defenders’ compensation program assures that our livestock neighbors will not suffer economically -- an absolutely crucial accommodation. But just as important, it shows that wolf and grizzly supporters are willing to put their money where their mouths are."
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wolf recovery coordinator Ed Bangs adds, "This program should be a model for others who want positive solutions for complex environmental issues. The livestock compensation program has made wolves more tolerable to livestock producers and has made wolf recovery more easily attainable."
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Defenders of Wildlife is a leading nonprofit conservation organization recognized as one of the nation’s most progressive advocates for wildlife and its habitat. With more than 430,000 members and supporters, Defenders of Wildlife is an effective leader on endangered species issues. To stay current on hot topics in wildlife conservation, subscribe to DENlines, Defenders of Wildlife’s electronic update and action alert network.
