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Preservation group asks Kerr County for funding to expand predator control in West Kerr; commissioners take the request under advisement
Summary
Representatives of the Preservation of Southwest Texas Wildlife requested the court consider a $20,000 budget allocation to support additional trapping and predator control in western Kerr County. Commissioners discussed existing county and federal trapping programs and took no formal vote on the funding request.
Louis Scherer, representing the Preserve (Preservation of Southwest Texas Wildlife) and manager of Flagler Ranch, asked Kerr County Commissioners for an allocation of $20,000 to support additional predator control and trapping staffing in West Kerr County.
Scherer told the court his organization represents multiple large ranches in West Kerr that have experienced losses of livestock and high-value exotic animals to coyotes and other predators; he described economic impacts and cited examples of repeated depredation. He said the group cannot retain a full-time trapper and sought county assistance to augment existing county and state-supported trapping efforts.
Commissioners and others asked how the nonprofit—s work differs from current government trappers; Scherer said county trappers are spread thin and the preservation group would supplement rather than replace the government's effort, covering some gas, vehicle and trap costs. County staff said current government trappers receive partial federal and state funding and county support for traps and fuel.
The court did not vote on the request at the meeting. Commissioners discussed prior models in nearby counties where local match supported multiple trappers, noted dangers of expanding government roles, and asked staff and the preservation group to provide additional details on scope, budget and oversight before any appropriation.
No formal appropriation or commitment was made at the meeting.
