Title
Department of Agriculture recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign the first amendment to Cooperative Service Agreement 26-7306-6574-RA (10392) with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, to add a contract administrator, with no change to the term or compensation of the agreement; and
2) Authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute any necessary amendments to Agreement for Services 10392, excluding term extensions and increases to the compensation amount, contingent upon approval by County Counsel.
FUNDING: General Fund (67%) and Unclaimed Gas Tax (33%).
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Wildlife Services program is a cooperative partnership between El Dorado County and the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services Wildlife Services (USDA-APHIS-WS). Through this program, one full-time USDA wildlife specialist works with the County’s full-time Wildlife Services employee to provide coordinated assistance. The USDA-APHIS-WS program has negotiated contracts with many counties throughout the state for wildlife services. USDA-APHIS-WS had worked with the department to offset the charges to our county, allowing us to continue utilizing the expertise and special equipment provided through USDA APHIS WS licenses. The Department has included this amount in the FY 2026-27 approved budget.
There are two types of protection offered under this program, with the main goal to control only the animals that are causing damage or injury, and providing technical assistance in wildlife damage prevention, including urgent and emergency large predator animal depredation:
1. Urban animal damage: These calls involve homeowners who have skunks, raccoons, or other wildlife that have taken up residence in the vicinity of their home and are causing property damage or are a threat to either pets or human health and safety.
2. Farmers and ranchers with livestock, crop, and/or...
Click here for full text