Middle Park Stockgrowers receive non-lethal wolf deterrent funding after 6 incidents

DENVER (KDVR) — Two days after another wolf depredation in Grand County, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Department of Agriculture are announcing a partnership with the Middle Park Stockgrowers Association to get on-the-ground assistance to those impacted by recent wolf depredations.

The measures come as livestock producers continue to press the state to resolve six attacks in Grand and Jackson County during April that have involved at least four calves and four cattle, with the Middle Park Stockgrowers Association even asking for lethal removal if possible. Ranchers say the latest depredation incident occurred at a ranch where four other incidents involving calves have been recorded.

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One part of the groups’ agreement dedicates $20,000 for non-lethal wolf deterrents, like nighttime patrols and herd protection, including hiring range riders. All of the deterrents will be purchased and contracted through the Middle Park Stockgrowers.

“CPW and CDA have worked with the community in Grand County to understand what kind of support they need and will find useful,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg in a release announcing the partnership. “This funding will help Grand County producers during calving season, an especially vulnerable time for beef producers. Meanwhile, funding was just approved in the state budget for CDA’s new program to help ranchers in areas with wolves and other predators implement non-lethal conflict reduction methods that are successful in other states. We will do this hand-in-glove with our partners at CPW.”

In addition to the short-term, non-lethal deterrents, both CPW and the Department of Agriculture are committing to expanding permanent wolf conflict mitigation programs, supporting producers who implement non-lethal predator control measures. Funding was included in the 2024 budget, recently passed by the legislature and signed by Gov. Jared Polis.

“Middle Park ranchers have long dealt with predators, but this is a new situation for our community. We’re thankful for the partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Colorado Parks and Wildlife which will let us bring in additional help to protect our animals,” said Tim Ritschard, president of the Middle Park Stockgrowers Association.

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On Monday, Polis expressed sympathy for business owners who have lost cattle and said the majority of Coloradans backed the ballot initiative. He also said he supported the management plan that was developed as part of the process.

“Collaboration is key when addressing the complexities of wildlife management,” said CPW Director Jeff Davis. “By partnering with the Middle Park Stockgrowers Association, CPW and CDA are providing immediate support while also investing in long-term solutions through education and funding for non-lethal deterrents. Together, we’re working to protect both our ranching community and Colorado’s wildlife.”

CDA is working closely with CPW under a memorandum of understanding to “anticipate and prepare for predator and livestock incidents.” The two agencies said this includes help and education around non-lethal deterrence methods, such as range riders or the use of fladry.

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Additionally, livestock producers who are affected by depredations and submit a claim may be eligible for the fair market value of livestock lost to wolf depredation. A cash fund has been established with a $175,000 balance, provided from the state’s general fund. The fund will receive an additional $350,000 in each fiscal year to keep a healthy balance in the fund on an ongoing basis.

Earlier this month, the Middle Park Stockgrowers called on the state to kill two wolves behind the depredations. Davis responded with a letter detailing CPW’s belief that the incidents could be due to a mated pair.

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