Predator Control Grant

The Predator Control Grant is administered through the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food under the Grazing Improvement Program, which was established by the Rangeland Improvement Act in 2006. The program was designed to support livestock producers across Utah by providing cost share funding for projects that enhance rangeland sustainability and management practices. In addition to financial support, the program strengthens producer representation through State and Regional Grazing Advisory Boards, ensuring that those actively using rangelands have a voice in program priorities and implementation. This specific funding opportunity focuses on mitigating livestock losses caused by predatory animals. It is targeted at producers who have experienced measurable predation losses and are seeking financial assistance to implement or expand predator control operations. The grant reimburses up to 50 percent of eligible costs associated with predator control services, making it a cost share program rather than a fully funded award. This structure is intended to encourage producer investment while reducing financial barriers to effective mitigation strategies. Eligible uses of funding include contracted predator control services and related operational costs directly tied to reducing predation. Applicants must demonstrate prior losses, including estimated livestock counts affected, confirmed losses verified by Wildlife Services where applicable, and the financial impact based on market value. The program also requires applicants to document previous spending on predator control and identify adjacent landowners or partners engaged in similar efforts, which helps evaluate regional coordination and broader impact. The application process is conducted through a structured form that collects detailed operational and financial information. Required components include producer identification, business and contact information, geographic region within Utah, livestock inventory, documented predation losses, requested funding amount, and proposed project area. Applicants must also define how they will measure effectiveness, such as reductions in death loss, number of predators removed, or other quantifiable outcomes. A requirement to provide GPS data for predator removal locations reflects an emphasis on accountability and measurable results. Evaluation criteria are not explicitly outlined but can be inferred to prioritize demonstrated need, historical losses, clarity of proposed intervention, and ability to measure outcomes. The requirement to document both financial losses and confirmed predation suggests that verification and impact severity are key considerations. Additionally, collaboration with neighboring producers may strengthen applications by indicating broader ecosystem benefits. The application deadline is August 31, and submissions are accepted until that date without mention of rolling or phased review. There are no stated pre application requirements such as letters of intent. Awards are structured as reimbursements, meaning recipients must incur costs and submit documentation before receiving funds. No explicit award notification timeline or performance period is provided, though reimbursement based on incurred services implies a near term project horizon aligned with operational needs. This funding opportunity appears to recur annually as part of the broader Grazing Improvement Program, though recurrence is not explicitly stated in the provided material. The program’s ongoing nature and structured application cycle suggest it is a regular offering. No direct contact person is listed, but communication is facilitated through the application system and associated program administration channels.

Provide clear documentation of losses and define measurable success metrics such as reduction in death loss or predator counts