Mother Lode State Senator Working To Reduce Wolf And Rancher Conflict

Mother Lode Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil at the El Dorado County Fair

Sonora, CA – Mother Lode State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (R-Jackson) is being praised for working to reduce the conflict between ranchers and wolves.

Amid a rise in wolf populations, as earlier reported here, Republican Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil has pushed to protect California’s ranchers, with earlier this year securing $600,000 in the state budget to fund the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) Wolf-Livestock Compensation Program, where ranchers are compensated when wolves prey on their livestock.

“The return of wolves to California marks an important milestone for wildlife restoration. But it brings challenges for our hardworking ranchers, who are essential in feeding our communities and supporting the state’s agriculture industry,” said Senator Alvarado-Gil. “This program gives them the help they need to protect their livestock and their livelihoods as we navigate these changes. I’m proud to advocate on their behalf, and I’m committed to ensuring they have resources they need to thrive.”

The California State Legislature allocated $3 million to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) in 2021 to create the Wolf-Livestock Compensation Pilot Program. The goal was to reduce the effects of wolves on livestock producers. The program focuses on three key support areas: addressing direct livestock losses, implementing nonlethal deterrents, and providing incentives through a “Pay for Presence” approach.

“As California’s wolf population has increased, so too have the losses of calves and other livestock from wolf predation, demonstrating the need for a robust compensation program in the state. The California Cattlemen’s Association thanks Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil for her work this year to secure renewed funding for CDFW’s Wolf-Livestock Compensation Program, ensuring that the cattle ranchers most impacted by gray wolves can remain viable to continue their stewardship of the land,” said Kirk Wilbur on behalf of the California Cattlemen’s Association.

As of June 30, 2024, California’s wolf population has grown to 63, including 30 new pups and an eighth pack called the “Diamond Pack.” In 2023, that number was 44 wolves. That population increase has led to a 62% increase in livestock kills from wolf attacks.

“Senator Alvarado-Gil and her team are to be commended for their work to secure renewed funding for the Wolf-Livestock Compensation Program, which provides important benefits for the recovery of wolves in California,” said Pamela Flick, California Program Director for Defenders of Wildlife. “The return of gray wolves to California is a remarkable success story, and it’s critical that we continue to fund this crucial program to compensate livestock producers for economic losses determined to be caused by wolves.”

For more information on the program, click here.