Nominations Sought For Wolf-Livestock Board

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Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the Montana Department of Livestock are seeking nominations for individuals to serve on a statewide board that will direct a new program to reduce livestock losses caused by wolves and reimburse ranchers for wolf-related losses.

The seven-member Livestock Loss Reduction and Mitigation Board was established by the 2007 Montana Legislature in response to recommendations made several years ago by the Montana Wolf Management Advisory Council, and to provisions in Montana’s Wolf Conservation and Management Plan that call for the creation of livestock loss-reduction and reimbursement programs.

Gov. Brian Schweitzer explained that the public can help to create the board by submitting nominations. "We’re looking for seven people who can work together for the common good," he said. "Wolves are part of the Montana landscape and their future depends on thoughtful consideration of the social and economic aspects of wolf and livestock interactions. The people who serve on this board will help us achieve that balance."

The purpose of the board is to administer programs and funds to minimize livestock losses caused by wolves and to reimburse livestock producers for wolf-depredation losses.

The board will be appointed by the governor in July and will consist of three members nominated by the Board of Livestock, three members nominated by the FWP Commission, and one member from the general public. Each board member must be knowledgeable or experienced in at least one of the following subjects: raising livestock; livestock marketing, sales, or breeding associations; wolf and livestock interactions; wildlife conservation; administration; and fundraising.

The addition of fundraising experience to the list of qualifications reflects the board’s leading role in generating financial support for the program. "Livestock and ranching are important to Montana and the nation, and wolves are too," Gov. Schweitzer said. "We think many people are willing to donate to a program designed to make sure both ranching and wolves remain healthy in Montana."

Nominations for the board must be submitted by July 1.   Address nominations to Livestock Loss Reduction and Mitigation Board Nominations in care of either Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks; P.O. Box 200701; Helena, MT 59620-0701; or Montana Department of Livestock; P.O. Box 202001; Helena, MT 59620-2001.   E-mail nominations to FWP at fwpwld@mt.gov;   Livestock at livemail@mt.gov; or to Gov. Schweitzer at pkeebler@mt.gov.