Anyone have any doubt where this is headed? The panel will have the DOW, Sierra Club, CNW, and the HSUS on it. Very shortly, compensation will be tied to a requirement of proof that our ranchers have used non-lethal wolf deterrents before any compensation is paid. The residents of the NE have been completely abandoned by the WDFW and Olympia. I feel for them. This sucks.
"OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking nominees for a new committee responsible for reviewing claims for certain types of livestock losses caused by wolves.
WDFW Director Jim Unsworth will appoint up to five state residents to the Livestock Review Committee to consider claims filed by ranchers for reduced weight gain, low pregnancy rates, and higher-than-normal livestock losses related to wolves.
The department already pays ranchers market value for verified cases of livestock killed by wolves, but will look to the new committee to recommend fair compensation for other wolf-related losses, said Donny Martorello, WDFW wolf specialist.
“We’re looking for a mix of candidates with experience in both livestock production and wildlife conservation,” Martorello said. “Successful candidates will be asked to review criteria for compensating ranchers for indirect losses and to work together in applying them fairly.”
State administrative rules authorize compensation for indirect livestock losses, but WDFW has only recently received any applicable claims, Martorello said.
Applications and nominations for committee membership must be postmarked by Saturday, Oct. 31. They should be sent to Mick Cope, Game Division Manager, at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 600 Capitol Way N., Olympia, WA 98501-1091; or by email to Mick.Cope@dfw.wa.gov.
The committee will likely meet about four times a year to review claims and advise the department on settlement offers and denial of claims, Martorello said. Members will serve staggered terms of one to two years.
Committee members should be available for meetings beginning as early as mid-November. Upon request, committee members will be reimbursed by WDFW for travel expenses to attend meetings.
Applications and nominations must be submitted in writing and include applicants’ or nominees’:
Name, address, telephone number, and email address.
Relevant experience, organizational affiliations, and reasons why he or she would be an effective advisory group member.
Experience with livestock production and livestock assessment.
Experience with natural resource management and wildlife conservation.
Experience in collaborating with people who have different values.
People or groups making nominations must submit their own names and contact information along with their nominees’."
http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/oct1315b/
