Tester: New resources for Montana ranchers affected by wolves

Senator’s bipartisan 2009 law continues to benefit livestock owners

(MILES CITY, Mont.) – Senator Jon Tester today announced that new resources are headed to Montana to prevent livestock loss caused by wolves.

The funds come from a U.S. Fish and Wildlife initiative created by Tester’s bipartisan Wolf Livestock Loss Mitigation Act. The 2009 law boosts Montana’s state-run livestock loss fund, which repays Montana ranchers the full market value of animals killed by wolves and helps ranchers prevent future wolf attacks through non-lethal means.

“Wolves are part of Montana’s landscape, but we can’t afford to have them threatening our ranching industry and the jobs that come with it,” said Tester, a member of the influential Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees funding for the Fish and Wildlife Service. “I’m glad to see this collaborative bill paying dividends for Montana’s hard-working producers.”

The state of Montana will receive $150,000. Grants are being distributed to eight other states, including neighboring Idaho and Wyoming.

The Fish and Wildlife initiative provides funding to states and tribes, with federal share of the cost not exceeding 50 percent.

 

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