STATUS : BILL WAS SIGNED INTO LAW BY THE GOVERNOR ON MARCH 18 AND WILL GO INTO EFFECT ON JULY 1, 2024.
This bill would establish a fund for conflict prevention and livestock depredation by grizzly bears and wolves, which would be provided to livestock owners that have validated or probable loss to these predators. You can read full bill text HERE.
Background: H0592 establishes a fund, as well as a process, for payment of validated or probable depredation of livestock by grizzlies or wolves. As the grizzly bear and wolf population continues to expand both in number of animals in each species, as well as geographic location in the state, livestock producers continue to experience instances of predation. A livestock producer with loss of any level due to predators, experiences massive financial impact, as the loss is not only on the live animal at time of death, but also potential future income from offspring. The Idaho State Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the department of fish and game and the office of species conservation will have spending authority for the established fund. The fund will allocate $75,000 annually to be used for conflict prevention and education. While wolves are a delisted species and have an active management plan (set in place by the Idaho Department of Fish & Game), grizzly bears are still a protected species even though delisting criteria has been met. According to the US Fish & Wildlife Service Grizzly Bear Recovery Program, there are ample studies indicating grizzly bear populations have recovered and are located across the lower 48 with most found in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE), Northern Idaho & Pacific Northwestern states.
Why is this important to cattle producers in Idaho?
Conflicts between apex predators, namely grizzly bears and wolves, and livestock are on the rise. Many cattle producers, predominantly in relative proximity to the GYE, continue to see loss of animals and income due to the predatory nature of grizzly bears. Additionally, the increased predator presence could be the crux for additional depredation by other wildlife to livestock producer resources.
Does ICA support this proposed bill?
Yes. ICA has member policy that supports seeking funding from federal and state sources to fund a robust trapping program, range riders to deter conflict and provide payments to producers for losses.
How do I take action?
You can participate in one of the below actions to have an impact as an individual. ICA will continue to submit comments on issues as a representative of its members, but this is a quick and easy way to submit comments as an individual. As a reminder, if you have already submitted comments previously, we encourage you to submit them again, as the audience changes during each step of the process!
