The White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts support multi-agency efforts in managing conflict between wolves and livestock. The Districts serve as a resource to the landowners and commununity for information. There are a lot of financial resources available for the landowners, such as CDA grants and NRCS/Western Landowners Alliance Partnership.  Feel free to stop by the office for more information. 
For information on site assessments:
Adam Baca, Wolf Conflict Coordinator CPW: Email Adam Baca  970.200.9427 

To manage conflict between wolves and landowners on private property, the primary focus should be on non-lethal conflict minimization techniques, including education, livestock guardian dogs, electric fencing, proper carcass management, range riding, and fladry, while also providing compensation for confirmed wolf depredation incidents through state wildlife agencies when necessary; this often involves collaboration between landowners, wildlife agencies, and conservation organizations to develop customized solutions based on specific situations. 

Key strategies to manage wolf-landowner conflicts:

• Non-lethal conflict prevention methods:
  • Livestock guardian dogs: Deploying large breeds of dogs specifically trained to protect livestock from predators like wolves. 
  • Electric fencing: Installing electric fencing around vulnerable areas like calving pastures, especially when paired with fladry. 
  • Fladry: Hanging brightly colored flags along fence lines to deter wolves from approaching. 
  • Range riding: Regularly patrolling grazing areas to monitor livestock and scare away wolves. 
  • Carcass management: Promptly removing dead livestock carcasses to prevent wolves from associating the area with food sources. 
  • Habitat modification: Adjusting grazing patterns or fencing to create barriers between livestock and potential wolf prey areas. 
     
• Communication and collaboration:
  • Reporting incidents: Promptly reporting suspected wolf depredation to state wildlife agencies for investigation and confirmation. 
  • Landowner education: Providing workshops and information on wolf behavior, conflict mitigation strategies, and available compensation programs. 
  • Agency partnerships: Engaging with wildlife agencies to develop localized management plans and access technical expertise. 
     
• Compensation for confirmed depredation:
  • Depredation compensation programs: State wildlife agencies often have programs to compensate landowners for livestock losses confirmed to be caused by wolves. 
  • Claims process: Understanding the necessary documentation and reporting procedures to file a valid depredation claim. 

Important considerations:

• Local context:The specific management strategies will vary depending on the local wolf population dynamics, landscape, livestock management practices, and state regulations. 
• Ethical considerations:Lethal control of wolves should only be used as a last resort after non-lethal methods have been exhausted and only with proper permits from wildlife agencies. 
• Community engagement:Building open communication and collaboration between landowners, conservation groups, and wildlife agencies is crucial for long-term conflict resolution