Assemblymember Heather Hadwick announced the signing of the 2025 California state budget, which includes $2 million for the Wolf-Livestock Compensation Program. This funding aims to assist ranchers affected by increased gray wolf depredation, particularly in Northern California.
Hadwick emphasized the importance of this allocation, noting that the initial budget proposal included no funding for the wolf crisis, which significantly impacts ranchers’ livelihoods. The funding is channeled through the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Biodiversity Conservation Program to provide compensation for ranchers experiencing losses due to wolf activity.
Recent data suggests that wolf depredation may reach record levels, with confirmed livestock kills nearly tripling from the previous year. A study by UC Davis indicates that each wolf can result in substantial economic losses for ranchers, totaling an estimated $1.4 to $3.4 million annually statewide.
Hadwick urged ranchers to document and report all losses to help build accurate data, which is crucial for securing additional funding and resources. She expressed gratitude to various stakeholders involved in advocating for this funding and warned of a potential tipping point for rural producers if further support is not provided.
