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 property loss: Typically, these calls involve both domestic and wild animal attacks on agricultural land.
The Agriculture Department recommends approval of the Cooperative Service Agreement Amendment I, to ensure the continued assistance in resolving wildlife damage problems and protect health and safety in El Dorado County. This Agreement also allows for cooperation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). USDA-APHIS-WS is a federal agency with a broad mission that includes carrying out wildlife damage management activities. In recent years USDA-APHIS-WS has maintained an effective Integrated Wildlife Damage Management (IWDM) program to resolve conflicts with wildlife throughout the County. APHIS-WS is available and qualified to conduct the wildlife damage management services necessary to accomplish the County’s goals. USDA provides the Environmental Protection Agreement to ensure the continued assistance in resolving wildlife damage problems and protect public health and safety in El Dorado County.
Per County Charter ARTICLE VI, Section 602: Contract Administration each contract shall identify the county officer or employee with responsibility for administering the contract. This first amendment to Agreement 10392 adds the Contract Administrator to the Agreement as an administrator was not identified in the original contract.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could not approve the amendment, however, County Charter ARTICLE VI, Section 602, requires a contract administer for this agreement.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
The Board has approved this Cooperative Service Agreement for the past twenty-two years of service most recently on June 23, 2026, Legistar Item # 26-0938.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel, Health and Human Services Animal Control Division, and Risk Management.
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no change to Net County Cost associated with this item. The cost for the Cooperative Agreement is included in the FY 2026-27 Budget.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Chair to sign one original USDA APHIS Services Work and Financial Plan Amendment I.
2) Board Clerk's Office to return one original USDA APHIS Services Work and Financial Plan Amendment I to the Department.
3) Agriculture Department to distribute as appropriate and will return fully executed documents to the Board of Supervisors.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Safe and Healthy Communities.
CONTACT
Jesse Fowler (530) 621-5520