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Dawes, Sioux counties explore expanded predator-control pact as federal funding wavers
Summary
Representatives from Dawes and neighboring counties met with APHIS on June 10 to discuss expanding predator-control services, noting unreliable federal and state funding, a nationwide pilot shortage and the need for state agency involvement; Dawes designated county representatives to pursue coordination.
Dawes County commissioners met with Ryan Powers of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) on June 10 to discuss multi-county predator-control coordination amid uncertain federal and state funding.
Powers briefed the board and attendees from Sioux, Sheridan and Box Butte counties on options for shared predator-control services. Tim Brewer, who currently provides predator-control services for Sheridan and Box Butte, told the board he is certified to apply poisons and toxins but would need local support from counties for prairie-dog control and other ground-level work.
County officials flagged two operational constraints: unreliable funding at both federal and state levels, and a shortage of qualified pilots nationwide for aircraft used in wildlife control. Powers suggested using contract pilots to fill gaps, and participants discussed ways to better inform state senators and the public about the issue.
Deputy County Attorney Adam Edmund said an existing agreement between Dawes and Sioux counties for predator control must be reviewed before moving forward with APHIS. With Chairman Vic Rivera absent, Vice Chairman Jake Stewart presided, and the board noted that Commissioners Walter Juhlin and J.W. Geiser will represent Dawes and Sioux counties, respectively, in follow-up discussions on the matter.
The meeting record does not show a formal vote or funding commitment; rather, the board delegated representation and asked staff and county representatives to pursue the next steps with APHIS and neighboring counties.
