CHAPTER 4: KNVIRONMKNTAI. CONSEQUENCES 



Table 37. Estimated livestock losses (confirmed and probable) and the economic value of livestock and 

 domestic animal losses in the year 2015 for Alternative 3 (Additional WolO- The columns may 

 not sum, due to rounding. 



" Average value of all sheep and lambs and all cattle, 2001 Montana Agricultural Statistics. 



*" Historically, Defenders of Wildlife compensation payments for other domestic animals (guarding dogs, 



horses, or llamas) was 8.13% of the total payments for cattle and sheep. 



FWP Fiscal Impacts 



Fiscal impacts under this alternative are similar to Alternative 2 (Updated Council). FWP anticipates 

 some changes in revenue associated with antlerless elk permits, deer B licenses, and moose permits, but it 

 will be similar to historic fiuctuations. Some license revenue could be expected if FWP were to 

 implement regulated harvest for wolves sometime in the future. However, the projected budget is 

 amended to reflect 2 changes (Table 38). The amount for enhanced ungulate monitoring increased from 

 $50,000 to $75,000 per year and the compensation program is not shown. The budget also includes as a 

 separate line item the $50,000 to fund extra preventative work by FWP, WS, and others. FWP's 

 predicted budget to implement this alternative is $799,046. 



Administration, Funding, and Legal Status 



Same as Alternative 2 (Updated Council). 

 Physical Environment 



Same as Alternative I (No Action). 



Short Term, Long Term, and Cumulative Effects 



The environmental consequences of this alternative will be similar to Alternative 2 (Updated Council). 

 Over the longer term, the consequences increase because of higher livestock losses that overall 

 management strategies and approaches to minimize risk may or may not mitigate completely. The 

 absence of a compensation program actively promoted by FWP means that the resultant economic costs 

 of whatever livestock are lost would be borne by the livestock producer. 



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