New Record: Defenders of Wildlife Pays Ranchers More than $100,000 for Wolf-related Livestock Losses in 2004

Washington, DC - Defenders of Wildlife today announced that compensation payments to ranchers for livestock losses related to wolves exceeded $138,000 in 2004, a new record for Defenders' compensation program. In the 17 years since the program began, The Bailey Wildlife Foundation Wolf Compensation Fund, named in honor of its largest contributor, has reimbursed more than 300 ranchers and livestock owners in the Northern Rockies more than $440,000 in livestock compensation payments.

"Partnering with local stakeholders on wolf recovery is absolutely essential to the future of the species and we're pleased to be able to provide this vital assistance to livestock owners in the region," said Rodger Schlickeisen, president of Defenders of Wildlife. "The program is highly effective in building tolerance for wolves while helping most ranchers and farmers with the cost of livestock losses to wolf depredation."

Defenders also announced the development of a Livestock Advisory Council, composed initially of sheep and cattle ranchers from Montana, Idaho and Arizona, who are evaluating and offering improvements for these programs. The Council's most recent action has been to clarify the compensation criteria and help establish written guidelines to communicate them more efficiently. The Council was developed from recommendations made by a working group that met over the last two years to evaluate compensation methods and improve local incentives for wolf conservation. The group was composed of wolf biologists, ranchers, wildlife conservationists, federal and state officials, natural resource economists, environmental ethicists and public policy experts from across the country. Surveys were also sent to compensation recipients over the last three years to gather more feedback from the people whom this program serves.

"According to the survey, a significant majority of recipients are 'satisfied' or 'highly satisfied' with the amount of compensation they received, and nearly all respondents thought Defenders' wolf compensation program should continue, even after wolves are transferred from federal to state management," said Suzanne Stone, Defenders' Rocky Mountain Field Representative. "By comparing agency records with the number of those seeking compensation, we found that almost all livestock owners with confirmed or probable wolf livestock losses do seek and receive compensation from Defenders' program."

"The compensation program really speaks to the commitment of Defenders to assist ranchers with the impacts of wolf reintroduction," stated Jan Holder, an Arizona cattle rancher and Council member. "It's amazing and wonderful that an environmental group will go to such lengths to help people on the land."

"The Council establishes an important two-way dialogue, which not only helps Defenders better understand the rancher's perspective and needs, but allows ranchers to understand the challenges and dynamics of programs, like compensation, that effectively address and resolve conflicts," said Stone. We appreciate the opportunity to work constructively to address conflicts and strengthen our relationship with the local communities most affected by wolf restoration, it's been challenging for all sides, but the rewards of building understanding, good will and tolerance are worth the hard work."

In 1987, Defenders of Wildlife initiated the first privately funded, livestock compensation program of its kind to reimburse livestock owners for wolf caused losses while wolves were protected as an endangered species. The idea originated from William Mott, the former National Park Service director, who in 1985 encouraged Defenders to consider private compensation for livestock losses as a way to help resolve conflicts over wolf restoration. By working collaboratively with livestock owners, we determined that another way of addressing both the needs of livestock owners and wolf conservationists is preventing or reducing wolf depredations on livestock by nonlethal means. This goal led to the creation of The Bailey Wildlife Foundation Proactive Carnivore Conservation Fund in 1999, which supports implementation of nonlethal deterrents and preventative animal husbandry practices including guard dogs, electric night pens, fladry, task-specific range riders, a volunteer program called "Wolf Guardians," and other methods. Defenders' pioneered the development of many of these techniques in partnership with livestock owners, and tribal, state and federal agencies.

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Defenders of Wildlife is one of the nation's most progressive advocates for wildlife and habitat, and was named as one of America's Top 100 Charities by Worth magazine. With more than 480,000 members and supporters, Defenders is an effective voice for wildlife and habitat. To learn more about Defenders of Wildlife, please visit www.defenders.org.