Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1328227
farm406 46 e Department of the Interior (DOI) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) finalized a rule in October that returns gray wolves to state management by removing Endangered Species Act protections, recognizing that gray wolf populations have long since recovered. is is one of America's greatest conservation stories and should be celebrated. is delisting represents decades of successful conservation efforts by livestock producers and private landowners across the country and comes at a welcome time as depredation by gray wolves have continuously risen, becoming a major burden on state governments and taxpayers. Also, in October, the America's Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act was signed into law by President Trump. is bill creates a grant program for states and other entities to provide payments to livestock producers who have lost animals due to depredation by federally protected species. is grant program will provide welcome assistance since depredation payments are oen a financial burden borne by states alone, despite the federal government protecting the species that caused the livestock damage. e depredation grants created by the ACE Act will fund payments to producers who experience losses caused by animals protected by the Endangered Species Act, like wolves and bears, as well as animals protected by other federal laws, like the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Depredation can happen at any time, but a significant portion of depredation typically occurs when livestock are most vulnerable: during calving and lambing season. To address depredation during these critical times, the ACE Act also improved depredation permiing process so producers will have beer access to "take" permits under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. is permiing process is key to protecting calves and lambs from predators like black vultures and ravens that are particularly dangerous to livestock operations because of their dense flocks. Oregon rancher and Oregon Cattlemen's Association President Tom Sharp speaks at an event announcing the finalized gray wolf rule. Supplied Photo