The Benefits

The efforts of APHIS’ WS program often result in higher economic returns to those producing livestock or other products. For example,

• Mississippi catfish farmers spent roughly $2.1 million to help control cormorants and other fish-eating birds causing an estimated $5.4 million damage.

• WS activities directed toward depredating birds in 12 cornfields in South Dakota saved 123 bushels of corn per day.

• Beaver control in Mississippi costing about $11,000 saved an estimated $198,600 in timber.

• Beaver control in Kentucky and Tennessee costing $55,000 over an 18-month period saved timber resources valued at $1.5 million.

Resources protected from wildlife damage benefit the public in the form of lower consumer costs and the continued availability of a range of commodities. An effective animal damage control program makes it possible to use fewer acres to produce sufficient food resources for the Nation. This also allows for reduced use of fossil fuels, fertilizers, and pesticides.

An environmental impact statement (EIS), written in accordance with the procedures established by the National Environmental Policy Act, indicated that the WS program has no nationally significant adverse impact on wildlife species diversity or abundance. Furthermore, the EIS indicated that the program provides substantial benefits to certain threatened and endangered species, has a positive impact on protecting selected natural resources, and promotes the maintenance of human health and safety.