Wolf-Livestock Compensation Grant Program

About this funding opportunity

The purpose of the grant is to help mitigate the impact of wolves on livestock producers in California. The Wolf-Livestock Compensation Grant Program has established three primary areas of need and compensation; direct livestock loss from wolf depredation, the use nonlethal deterrent tools, and the compensation for indirect loss or affects from wolves on livestock.

The Wolf-Livestock Compensation Grant Program has three “prongs”, or potential grant opportunities, for eligible applicants: direct loss compensation, nonlethal deterrent methods support, and indirect loss compensation. This grant opportunity involves the first prong, direct loss compensation, in which producers can be compensated for direct livestock loss (death, injury) due to confirmed or probable wolf depredation. Wolf depredation is determined during an investigation and documented by CDFW on a Livestock Loss Determination form. Each reported depredation incident is unique and requires a case-by-case analysis of the evidence, context, and other factors that inform the determination process. CDFW strives to conduct investigations as soon as reasonably possible to preserve physical evidence and gather information from producers and potential eyewitnesses. Wolf depredation is “confirmed” when there is physical evidence that an animal was injured or killed by a wolf and “probable” when there is sufficient evidence to suggest wolf predation (e.g., evidence of predation and evidence that wolves were likely present at the time of injury or death), but not enough evidence to confirm it. Upon issuance of compensation for a direct loss, producers will be expected to consult with the Department to evaluate and implement a deterrent strategy that may be beneficial in reducing wolf-livestock conflict. The deterrent tools and/or actions implemented as part of this strategy may be eligible for compensation under the program’s second prong, if and when sufficient funds are available.

Topic areas: Agriculture and Food, Circular Economy and Sustainability, Public Policy and Governance.

Funding amount

This grant provides Varies in funding.

Deadline

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; there is no single fixed deadline.

Who can apply

This opportunity is open to the following applicant types:

• SME
• Startups
• MidCaps
• Large Company
• Individuals
• NGOs
• Other
• Public Authorities

Eligibility

Eligible applicants for direct loss of livestock (death, injury) must have had a confirmed or probable wolf depredation on or after July 1, 2024, as determined during a depredation investigation and documented in a CDFW Determination Form. There is no geographic restriction for eligibility. However, applicants must have had a confirmed or probable wolf depredation on or after July 1, 2024, as determined during a depredation investigation and documented on a CDFW Livestock Loss Determination form.

Agency

Wolf-Livestock Compensation Grant Program is administered by Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW), listed via Department of Fish and Wildlife.