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County herd owners told how three-county livestock-loss authority pays wolf depredation claims
Summary
A three-county County Livestock Loss Authority described how it compensates ranchers for wolf depredation; commissioners discussed whether Grant County should join the joint powers authority.
Audrey Queen McQueen, chair of the County Livestock Loss Authority, told Grant County commissioners the JPA was formed by three counties to pool state and federal funds and reimburse producers for confirmed wolf depredation losses.
The authority, McQueen said, sought $9 million from the Legislature for a two-year period and received $1.5 million. She said the CLA has paid out roughly $400,000 in verified depredation claims and also distributes funds for “indirect damages” and conflict-avoidance measures such as range riders and nonlethal deterrents.
Why it matters: Ranchers in multiple counties reported losing large shares of calf crops, and county leaders noted that depredation payments can reduce financial strain on producers and ease tensions about wolf management. Commissioners discussed whether joining the JPA would give Grant County ranchers quicker access to those payments and better information about depredation trends in neighboring counties.
Commissioners asked about claims and timeliness. McQueen said the CLA aims to process verified claims in two weeks but that processing delays have occurred; she said it has recently taken about six weeks while the JPA transitioned fiscal agents and hired an administrator. She also said the CLA’s staff compiles quarterly reports to track market-value reimbursement and to maintain parity with regional prices.
County manager Amelia Webb briefed commissioners that a formal request is all the JPA requires to join; the county attorney and Sierra County staff said joining does not require a formal resolution in their experience. Webb said she would draft a short request letter for the commission to consider at its Thursday meeting.
Commissioner John Flores said that even having a commissioner on the CLA board would help keep Grant County informed of trends, payments and legislative advocacy. Several fellow commissioners said they supported receiving regular reports from CLA and favored at least considering membership.
No formal vote was taken during the work session. Webb said she would prepare the membership request letter and circulate it to the commission ahead of the Thursday meeting.
