State wildlife commission to review claims of over $343,000
When Colorado reintroduced wolves to the state, compensation for livestock losses due to wolf depredation were part of the deal. What no one expected was for two ranchers’ claims to basically wipe out the state’s $350,000 budget for wolf compensation in the first quarter. On March 5-6, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission will meet to discuss two claims – one for $287,407 by Farrell Livestock and another for $56,000 from Bruchez and Sons, according to the Coloradoan.
Both claims were filed in Grand County, where many of the newly released wolves congregate. While part of the wolf recovery plan, wolf advocacy groups are angry over the amount of the claims, alleging that the “compensation requests submitted are overstated” and want more “proof of livestock loss” before the state pays.
Livestock producers had until Dec. 31, 2024 to file claims for the year. Three claims were already paid to ranchers, totaling $3,855.
Farrell Livestock’s claim is the highest one to date and is for “documented weight loss and reduced conception rates” due to stress placed on the herd because of nearby wolves. They’re asking for $287,407 in this claim; however, it isn’t the full amount requested by the livestock. Conway Farrell of Farrell Livestock is also requesting an additional amount of about $135,000 for “killed, injured and missing livestock,” which would make his total compensation – if approved – around $422,000.
His additional $135,000 claim and another $100,000 claim by a different Grand County rancher will likely be on deck for the May commission meeting, according to the Coloradoan.
Colorado’s wolf depredation plan calls for a “fair market value” of up to $15,000 per animal once Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) confirms the death and/or injuries was due to wolves. This type of compensation is considered quite “generous” compared to other western states, according to the Coloradoan, considering it also allows for additional compensation for missing livestock, reduced pregnancy and weight loss.
CPW had already approved the compensation payment for both ranchers; however, the wildlife commission makes the final decision on whether or not payment should be made.
To view the meeting, click here.
