Excerpt from Program:
"Restoration of large, wide-ranging carnivores is often controversial and wrought with emotion due to occasional human-carnivore conflicts. Conservation measures in the United States to assist grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) and gray wolf (Canis lupus) populations have been no exception. To facilitate good will towards predators and thus aid in their recovery, Defenders of Wildlife established two programs that incorporate market-based incentives for grizzly and wolf restoration. The goal of these programs is twofold. First, to spread the cost and responsibility for maintaining healthy carnivore populations, rather than have the burden fall on individual ranchers. Second, to establish an economic mechanism to correct for a market impact associated with providing a public good. The Bailey Wildlife Foundation Wolf and Grizzly Compensation Trusts were established to reimburse ranchers for livestock lost to predation by these species. To date the program has paid out more than $400,000 and has helped facilitate the growth of wolf and grizzly populations. The Bailey Wildlife Foundation Proactive Carnivore Conservation Fund is used to cost-share with ranchers the expense of enacting management measures that reduce or eliminate livestock depredation. Projects include erecting electric fencing to protect beehives from bears or sheep from wolves, stringing flagging to deter wolves from livestock, purchasing livestock guardian dogs and bear-proof dumpsters, and hiring range riders and 'wolf guardians' to keep a closer watch over livestock. Though none of the measures alone is a panacea for all predator problems, many are effective in certain circumstances and strengthen tolerance for predators throughout the United States.

"As a means of ensuring rancher concerns are fully taken into account, Defenders recently established a Livestock Producer Advisory Council to help advise the organization on making improvements to our compensation and proactive funds. The advisory council is comprised of four ranchers--two cattle and two sheep ranchers--who have had experience living with carnivores in the western United States. This panel session will include Defenders of Wildlife representatives and ranchers who will discuss Defenders' programs, the ranchers' experiences living with predators and working with Defenders on compensation/proactive efforts. It will also include a discussion on the future of living with carnivores in the western United States."

Presentation Outline:

• The Bailey Wildlife Foundation Wolf Compensation Trust
• The Bailey Wildlife Foundation Grizzly Compensation Trust
• The Bailey Wildlife Foundation Proactive Carnivore Conservation Fund
• Defenders' Proactive Projects