SF 2082

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 04/17/2015 08:42am

A bill for an act
relating to agriculture; establishing a wolf-livestock conflict prevention grants
program; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, section
3.737, by adding a subdivision.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 3.737, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Grants; wolf-livestock conflict prevention. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner
may award grants to livestock producers to prevent wolf-livestock conflicts. Livestock
producers located in Minnesota are eligible to apply for reimbursement for the cost
of practices to prevent wolf-livestock conflicts, not to exceed $7,000 the first year of
participation, and $3,500 annually thereafter per grant recipient.
new text end

new text begin (b) To be eligible for the grant under this subdivision, a livestock producer must
raise livestock within Minnesota's wolf range.
new text end

new text begin (c) Eligible wolf-livestock conflict prevention activities include, but are not limited to:
new text end

new text begin (1) the purchase of guard animals and any veterinary costs up to $1,000 per year;
new text end

new text begin (2) the installation of wolf barriers, including fencing, fladry, and pens;
new text end

new text begin (3) the installation of wolf-deterring lights and alarms; and
new text end

new text begin (4) calving or lambing shelters.
new text end

new text begin (d) Eligible grant recipients must:
new text end

new text begin (1) make a good-faith effort to avoid wolf-livestock conflicts;
new text end

new text begin (2) make a good-faith effort to care for guard animals paid for under this section;
new text end

new text begin (3) retain proper documentation of expenses;
new text end

new text begin (4) report annually to the commissioner on the effectiveness of the nonlethal
methods employed; and
new text end

new text begin (5) allow follow-up evaluation and monitoring by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (e) Grant recipients shall continue to be eligible for depredation payments under
subdivisions 1 to 4.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $100,000 in fiscal year 2016 and $100,000 in fiscal year 2017 are appropriated from
the general fund to the commissioner of agriculture for wolf-livestock conflict prevention
grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 3.737, subdivision 6.
new text end