UPDATE: As of October 28, 2024, CDFW is now accepting Wolf-Livestock Compensation Program applications for Direct Loss (Prong 1).
Livestock producers who have had a “confirmed” or “probable” wolf depredation on or after July 1, 2024, may submit a completed Livestock Loss Application (PDF) form to wolfcompensation@wildlife.ca.gov. First-time applicants must also submit a STD-204 Payee Data Record form. Wolf depredations are determined through an official investigation and documented by CDFW on a Livestock Loss Determination Form.
In 2024, the California state legislature appropriated $600,000 to CDFW to continue funding the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Wolf-Livestock Compensation Program (WLCP). Due to the limited funds available to support the Wolf Livestock Compensation Program, CDFW is prioritizing direct loss compensation at this time, and is not seeking applications for non-lethal deterrents (Prong 2) or pay for presence (Prong 3).
Pilot Program
In 2021, the California State Legislature appropriated $3 million to CDFW to develop a Wolf-Livestock Compensation Pilot Program to help minimize the impact of wolves on livestock producers based on the following areas of need (prongs): Direct livestock loss (prong 1); Nonlethal deterrents (prong 2); Pay for presence (prong 3). An interim program was launched to receive applications for Prong 1 in February 2022 and Prong 2 in May 2022. The pilot program for compensation of all three prongs launched in June 2023 and ran until funds were exhausted in March 2024.
Eligible livestock producers received 100% of the $3 million allocated by the Legislature. A total of 109 grants were awarded to producers with livestock in the following areas of known wolf activity: Siskiyou, Lassen, Plumas, Tulare Counties.
Participation in the pilot program was voluntary and open to all eligible producers. Applications were processed on a first-come basis through a multi-step, tiered internal review process to confirm eligibility.
Related Forms and Documents