Compensation For Wolf-Caused Damage To Be Discussed In Helena

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Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will hold the first of a series of work sessions March 23 in Helena that are aimed at developing a compensation program to pay for livestock damages caused by wolves.

Under Montana’s wolf conservation and management plan, FWP committed to help create a workable compensation and/or insurance programs.   Any program would be funded and run by an independent group.   Incentives for landowners who employ techniques intended to reduce wolf depredation also will be discussed.   

The first work session is set for March 23 at 8:30 a.m. Red Lion Colonial Inn, 2301 Colonial Dr. in Helena. Additional work sessions are planned for April 7 and April 27, also in Helena.

For the work sessions, a cross section of about 30 Montana citizens, agencies, and others who expressed an interest in participating, will gather to develop a framework for a compensation program.   The public will have an opportunity to comment at the end of the day.

For more information contact Carolyn Sime, FWP’s wolf management coordinator.

Compensation for wolf-caused livestock damages and loses is currently offered to Montana livestock owners by the Defenders of Wildlife, a private, nonprofit group that seeks to protect wild animals and their habitats.