The Arizona Livestock Loss Board announced that it is now allowing ranchers to seek grant funding to assist in employing measures designed to prevent conflicts between cattle and Mexican wolves.

At its November meeting, the board unanimously approved the grant program to provide funding to livestock producers who want to research and develop measures — such as utilizing range riders, fencing or other measures — designed to prevent conflicts, a recent announcement said.

Ranchers applying for the funds are required to provide a funding match in either cash or in-kind and/or third-party funds. Applicants must also provide documentation on the conflict avoidance method being used and its effectiveness.

“We appreciate the Arizona Game & Fish Department working to secure these resources and are encouraged that the department continues to recognize the losses caused by the Mexican wolf program,” said Arizona rancher Steve Pierce, who also serves as Arizona Farm & Ranch Group president. “Providing solutions for conflict avoidance is another critical tool in proper wolf management — just as important as covering losses through the Arizona Livestock Loss Board.”

The Arizona Livestock Loss Board was established in 2015 and is charged with addressing the depredation of Mexican wolves on livestock operations in Arizona. As part of its role, the board reimburses livestock producers whose cattle were confirmed to have been taken by a Mexican wolf.

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The reimbursement program is designed to provide compensation to livestock producers who incur costs to their operations from Mexican wolves with the goal of increased tolerance for the presence of this subspecies on working landscapes, the board said.