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Bill would create wildlife-damage fund to reimburse Maryland farmers and support prevention projects
Summary
Delegate Sheila Ruth proposed a Wildlife Damage Prevention and Reimbursement Fund to reimburse farmers for crop losses (up to $5,000) and to provide grants for prevention measures such as fencing, repellents and sharpshooter programs; bill also contemplates a voluntary stamp revenue stream and a possible gubernatorial contribution.
Delegate Sheila Ruth told the committee House Bill 15-11 aims to help Maryland farmers facing substantial crop losses from deer and other wildlife. Ruth said deer damage can account for 15%–20% of agricultural losses in some cases and that the state should provide partial reimbursement and prevention grants.
The bill would establish a fund that can reimburse farmers up to $5,000 based on damage assessments and that can award grants for prevention projects such as fencing, repellents or hiring sharpshooters. Ruth said the proposal is modeled in part on an existing black-bear damage fund and that the program prioritizes applicants who have first pursued recommended DNR prevention methods.
Ruth acknowledged the fiscal note and said the bill itself does not require a large appropriation; instead the proposal authorizes a voluntary stamp purchase to support the fund and permits, but does not require, a $50,000 gubernatorial contribution. She said the fund is intended to be a targeted assistance tool rather than a full replacement for commercial losses, with prevention grants meant to reduce future claims.
Committee members asked fiscal and administration questions; Ruth said the bill grew from a multi-year work group involving agriculture and natural-resources officials and sought to balance compensation and prevention. No formal committee action was recorded that day.
