Legislation Looks To Encourage Idaho Producers To Report Depredations

The Idaho senate put forward legislation that would urge Congress and the administration to protect livestock producers who report depredation losses.

Ranchers grazing on Forest Service or BLM allotments says they have grown hesitant to report losses out of concern that federal agencies could reduce or revoke their grazing permits.  In response, Senate Joint Memorial 108 was introduced.

"Since the Idaho legislature has specifically appropriated funds to compensate producers for depredation, that fear undermines the effectiveness of those programs," said Idaho Farm Bureau Federation’s Dexton Lake.  "Senate Joint Memorial 108 calls for clear federal direction stating that reporting wildlife depredation should not be used as a reason to reduce or cancel grazing privileges.”

The Memorial is sponsored by Nampa Senator Todd Lakey and Midvale Representative Judy Boyle.

Click Here to learn more about SJM108.

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