Assessing Range Rider Program Effectiveness in Northeastern Washington: Importance of Funding
Category: Research Poster
Author(s): Maddie Mcneil, Madeline McNeil
Presenter(s): Maddie Mcneil
Mentors(s): Cole Purdy
With the reintroduction of wolves in many places in the US it is important to find methods that can mitigate conflict between humans and wildlife and capitalize on the ones that are effective. Working with the CHCC, the center for human carnivore coexistence, I was able to review the two range rider programs in northeastern Washington to see what works well and where improvements can be made to the program. In this assessment, interviews were conducted with range riders, program directors, and officials at various levels of government. The interviews were analyzed, and common themes were identified from the interviewee responses regarding the program’s effectiveness. One of the most prevalent perspectives shared was that to have an efficient and effective program it is important to provide the ranchers and range riders with clear funding allocations and enough funding so they can do high-quality work to mitigate conflict. By allowing these changes, range riders can feel supported and confident that they will get paid on time, have increased safety measures such as the ability to ride in pairs, and allow old and new riders to get the assistance they need to learn and improve their skills to better improve their performance on the job. Reviewing these programs is crucial as other states implement similar programs and it is important for other organizations to take these considerations into account as they not only help move past initial barriers, but they can hopefully lead to more effective and efficient range rider programs.