Northern RAC approves cooperative‑agreement rule to pay landowners for tolerating big game, adds reporting requirement

The Northern Regional Advisory Council voted unanimously Dec. 10 to approve a Division of Wildlife Resources rule (r 6 57 - 74) authorizing cooperative agreements with landowners to compensate tolerance of big game on cleared or cultivated lands. DWR said the program is intended as a proactive population-management tool — to maintain or grow target populations — rather than as reactive depredation payments.

DWR staff said pilot programs are planned in the Southern and Northeastern regions; agreements under consideration could be multi-year (staff discussed a potential six-year agreement with a three-year review) and would be negotiated regionally with landowners. DWR staff noted that using federal Pittman‑Robertson Wildlife Restoration grant funds could expand funding options for the program beyond legislative depredation appropriations.

RAC members raised concerns about scope and safeguards. Some members suggested narrowing species eligibility (a few asked to exclude elk in areas already over objective) and limiting maximum agreement length; others requested financial oversight. The RAC added a requirement that DWR provide annual reporting on program use and budget for the first three years and asked staff to return with policy details and a report on early implementation.

Public commenters and stakeholders including Kevin Norman (Wild Sheep Foundation) expressed support. In discussion DWR staff committed to developing internal policy sideboards to guide regional staff and to report back to the RAC and board so the program’s use and costs can be evaluated.

Darren (DWR) summarized the program’s flexibility: "We'll approach the landowner... what's that cost? Then we can determine if it's worth it or not." Kevin Norman said, "We support this for sure."

The RAC’s vote was unanimous. The rule will be forwarded to the Wildlife Board for consideration.