Commissioners make a decision on Wildlife Services at regular meeting 071119

[Editor's Note: This is part two of a multi-series of articles addressing the Grant County Commission work session on July 9, 2019 and the regular meeting on July 11, 2019.]

By Mary Alice Murphy

Grant County commissioners heard from elected officials at the beginning of the regular session on July 11, 2019.

Sheriff Frank Gomez said he continues to offer enhanced training to his staff members. "We share the trainings with the Silver City Police Department and include the police departments of the municipalities."

"We are seeking to establish a relationship with State Police," Gomez said. "I want to report that we have hired two certified deputies and two not yet certified deputies. We are having increased interest from applicants. That indicates to me that the Sheriff's Department is moving forward. We have higher morale. Three deputies were recently promoted to sergeant. We went through the point system. I appreciate the support from residents. I received a letter from a woman who greatly appreciated the service from a deputy. She said: 'I felt I had been rescued by a superhero.' A man from San Antonio, Texas, who was camping, was attacked by a dog. He said: 'Deputy Orosco came and took me to the ER, then because he knew I couldn't get back to my camp, he returned and took me back to my camping site. It speaks volumes to me about his care for others.'"

Gomez said the department has opened a Facebook page. "We'll take the good and the bad. It's been working well so far."

Commissioner Alicia Edwards said she appreciated his report and "I appreciate what you're doing."

Gomez said he still has six openings for deputies, although his office is going through background checks on five certified deputies. "One is almost complete."

Treasurer Steve Armendariz had his chief deputy, Veronica Rodriguez, give the Treasurer's Office report.

She said that the office had collected 92.31 percent of taxes for the 2018 property tax year, as of July 10. "We sent out delinquent notices and had a jump in collections. We will have a total of $26.7 million in collections for all entities by the end of the fiscal year. We will start the new fiscal year with $392,000."

Clerk Marisa Castrillo said her office would be closed Aug. 5 to take part in Secretary of State training.

The first agreement on the regular meeting agenda was a cooperative agreement between Grant County and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Services Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services. Under discussion at the work session, Commissioner Javier Salas, who had asked for the item to be part of this agenda, although a decision had been made at a prior meeting, made comments.

[Editor's Note: The article on the previous decision at the June 27, 2019 regular meeting article can be read at http://www.grantcountybeat.com/news/news-articles/51892-grant-county-commission-work-session-062519-and-regular-meeting-062719-part-1].

"I met with Brandon Jones of Wildlife Services," Salas said. "I didn't understand the M-44s. What I liked about Jones is that he hasn't used traps in the past 10 years. The only times he would use them is if a dangerous animal is near a school or homes. He's very professional. He showed me the markers and signs that are put up when he places M-44s. If we don't accept this agreement, the county will lose these services. I want to reconsider the issue at this regular meeting because I don't know if the USDA will accept the agreement as we amended it."

Edwards asked Commissioner Harry Browne, who was attending the work session by phone, if he would be able to call in for the regular meeting.

"I will try, but I will be traveling, and I think there will be too much noise," Browne replied. "But I don't think the math will make any difference. If Salas changes his vote, then it will be 3-1 in favor of the agreement or 2-2 if he doesn't, which means it doesn't pass. I am troubled by the placement of this on the Thursday agenda. You have to decide yes or no. If Salas has changed his mind because he thinks M-44s are responsible, that's one thing. What bothers me is that the feds not letting us make this decision whether to allow traps or M-44s in our county. I never thought the M-44s were hugely dangerous, but I think they are indiscriminate killers of wildlife. Salas has the right to change his mind."

Commissioner Billy Billings said he appreciated Browne's willingness to expedite the decision, even though he would not be present at the meeting. "Grant County is not currently receiving services as a result of the June decision."

Salas said the county had had no contact with USDA on the agreement. "I don't think they are holding an axe over our heads. The only thing Jones knows is that there is no agreement signed and no services. I've had lots of contact both ways with residents."

Edwards said she attended a meeting between Jones and Browne. "My impression was that USDA would not sign the agreement based on the amendments. I think Browne's comments are valid."

In public input at the regular meeting, Guadalupe Cano, Silver City town councilor, said as part of each councilor's work project for the town, she wished to issue a formal invitation to the commissioners to participate in the Aug. 4 event at Gough Park for National Night Out from 4 p.m. to whenever it ends. "We will recognize law enforcement and will have lots of volunteer opportunities available. The Silver City Police Department will challenge other law enforcement agencies to a Battle of the Badges in a dodgeball competition. I am inviting you to participate."

Mike Matthews works with New Mexico Game and Fish. "I want to address you about the Wildlife Services contract that you are considering today. Those who work at Wildlife Services are a valuable resource to us. At Pinos Altos, when the man died from a mountain lion attack, Wildlife Services was integral in catching the right lion, as well as over the years, other troublesome lions. We need their resources to help your citizens. There is always conflict between humans and wildlife."

Cam Serenity said to Salas: "I'm glad you educated yourself. The M-44 cyanide doesn't go off like fireworks, but it is still lethal. I have no problem with people taking out animals with shots. I think the cyanide cannisters and the traps are indiscriminate."

Catherine Swann gave statistics. "The USDA in 2018 killed 2.6 million animals. One and a half million were native species. There is indiscriminate killing going on. I am here to support the wildlife that has no voice. It's time for wildlife services to use science-based methods. In the northern part of New Mexico, they worked together to provide wildlife corridors. They use humane methods. Couldn't we not be more forward thinking? If someone doesn't get his way, we keep having meetings? Please explain."

Sandra Griffin read from a report on non-targeted species that have been killed by traps and M-44s. "The sources are unassailable. The cyanide bomb that killed the Labrador Retriever and injured a 14-year-boy is just one case. A cat got caught in a trap. There are stories of Wildlife Services employees discharging M-44s into the faces of pets. All these Wildlife Service employees considered themselves 'professional.'" She listed dogs in New Mexico in New Mexico counties from years back up to the present who were caught in traps or killed by M-44s. "This report gives decades of incidents."

[Editor's Note: She did not share her report with the Beat, but only handed a copy to another media reporter. Her husband, Glenn, did share his later comments with the Beat.]

Pete Krosgeng, who identified himself as a resident of Grant County, asked why the county is asked to finance the killing of native animals to protect cattle. "It seems like this is a deal to benefit one group of people. It's a subsidy to ranchers. This is socialism. I know Billy Billings doesn't like socialism, but he's a rancher. Ranchers pay almost nothing to graze on public land—$2 per cow and calf. Basically, this is about subsidizing ranchers. Public lands do not belong to ranchers. Public lands belong to all of us. Thousands use our public lands. We the people do not need to kill animals to protect cattle and ranching. Wildlife Services is often in conflict with other federal agencies. Quite a lot of information shows that money spent to do wildlife services doesn't bring much of a benefit. It would be helpful to hear why you're voting the way you are."

The next to speak was JoAnn Miller of San Lorenzo, living on the Harrington Ranch. "This ranch was homesteaded by my grandparents in 1902 and has been in our family for 117 years. My son and I have the ranch and one in Grant and Hidalgo counties at Separ. Ranching is a great way of life. We face situations and obstacles daily. One of these obstacles we're facing is the contract between the USDA and the county to stop the use of traps and M-44s. Wildlife services have had their hands tied. It not only affects cattle, but coyotes, lions and bears that kill pets, birds, deer, antelope and elk. It affects our bottom line, which trickles down to fewer taxes to the county and less to spend locally. We take pride in taking care of our cattle. I'm asking you to give to Wildlife Services the tools needed to do their jobs."

Ty Bays represented Grant County Cattle Growers, which is made up of about 100 ranching families. "This is not killing. It's wildlife management. Yes, it does sometimes kill, but agriculture is a billion-dollar industry in New Mexico. Some have said it is socialism, but this service is paid through our grazing fees. The traps are not lethal, if checked regularly. Dogs should be on a leash on public lands. M-44s are not a bomb. They are spring-loaded and are designed for canines. Dogs should not be running free. Signs let people know if M-44s are in the area. It is a tool that Wildlife Services needs. Let them use their tools, just like the Sheriff's Department uses its tools. Grazing fees from livestock owners and hunters are the ones who pay to use public lands. No one else who uses public lands pays anything. Wildlife Services also places water and salt for wildlife, which benefits hunters. Overpopulation of coyotes harms livestock and game. Not having these tools would be like stopping the use of bug spray or mouse traps in county buildings."

Glenn Griffin read from his statement. He said he has had two dogs trapped in leg-hold traps in the past decade. "I'm looking to find a bridge, a middle ground where ranchers and our wildlife can co-exist on public lands. I am calling my commissioner, Billy Billings a hypocrite for saying he's against socialism, but is voting for ranchers' welfare through Wildlife Services. He's a hypocrite for fighting against our governor's 'big overreach on background checks for guns,' but it's OK for letting a federal taxpayer funded big government wildlife killing group overrule our local county government. What a hypocrite."

He said because Billings is a recipient of the Wildlife Services, he should recuse himself from voting for socialism for ranchers.

"The middle ground is to let the ranchers continue to pay their cattle head check-off and take the $26,000 to fund their own hired gun to take care of problems on their private land," Griffin said. "No need for socialism or welfare from taxpayers."

He alleged the boy in Idaho, who was injured and his dog killed, received a settlement of $6,000, but Wildlife Services defense was blaming the boy's "bad parents."

Griffin noted that the Dona Ana County Commission voted 4-1 against Wildlife Services on Tuesday. "The problem is Wildlife Services lack of accountability. 100 years of no accountability, not reporting private land from public land. They have a history of violating bans against trapping and M-44s. So, get rid of government overreach, let ranchers pay for the work themselves and leave taxpayers out of paying for the $57,000 match. Both ranching and wildlife will survive if the commission votes against Wildlife Services."

Shelby Hallmark, eight-year county resident, was the next to speak against Wildlife Services. "When Europeans came to this continent, they brought a fear of predators and tried to rid the continent of predators. New attitudes show that predators have a role in the eco-system. They are sentient, conscious beings. We are part of the biosphere. Let's not destroy creatures for profit."

Teresa Vigil said she has worked with the federal government and Game and Fish in Grant and Catron counties. "There is no code of regulations that a dog must be on a leash on public lands. I have worked with ranchers. The attrition of cattle is due to many reasons. Coyotes are not one of them. I'm amazed we are here discussing this issue. Coyotes and bear eat insects and berries. There is no reason to kill coyotes or bears. They eat what they are supposed to, grasshoppers and insects. What about the wolves? I didn't hear anything about them. I'm thinking you are pointing fingers at coyotes, but they are the ones that are killing rodents."

Ruth Ann Eby said her family raises cattle. "I am here to voice my concern. We lose five to 15 calves to coyotes and bear each year. We understand the balancing of the population of cattle and predator. When coyotes increase in number, they move into other areas, including urban areas, where there is also loss of domestic pets. A coyote circled me and my dogs. I felt unsafe. Jones took care of it. He needs his tools to do his job. He has been professionally trained to know how to use the tools well. All we are asking is to let Brandon have access to his tools."

Rudolf Fajardo, Wildlife Services Las Cruces supervisor, said the mission of his agency is living with wildlife. "I was educated at New Mexico State University. We understand wildlife and we understand the negative and positive sides of the issue. We help people and wildlife co-exist. An M-44 is not a bomb. It is spring-loaded. It was developed through research in Colorado. We stay within local laws. There is a misunderstanding that we go out and get rid of species. Everybody is important, whether city or rural. We need our agency to effectively manage the interaction. If you want facts, call our office. We do presentations. We work with other agencies. We work together for the co-existence with wildlife. Do you want the community to take on situations or do you want our professional help? We will provide information as needed."

In the regular session, Billings made the motion to approve the contract as presented by USDA APHIS-WS. Salas seconded it. Edwards asked to make an amendment to ban leg-hold traps. Commission Chairman Chris Ponce seconded it for discussion.

Edwards said she and Browne met with Brandon Jones. "Harry and I felt it was federal overreach into local decision making. I had a lot of different thoughts. I realized that M-44s are a better option than leg-hold traps. The M-44 seems like less of a torture device than the leg-hold trap. My job is to think about the unintended consequences. It's not just ranchers that Wildlife Services helps. I think about how horrific it would be to chew off one's own leg to escape the trap. We have to co-exist with wildlife, but all of us have to co-exist. Ditching Wildlife Services is not a solution. It might create more problems. I have a concern about predation being taken care of in other ways. I don't agree with M-44s or leg-hold traps, but I also don't agree with people dealing with issues and taking them into their own hands. I'm speaking only for Grant County. Brandon Jones has a good grasp of things. He uses M-44s and leg-hold traps only when necessary. Let's start a dialogue on how to manage the interaction between people and wildlife. We don't do anything without a plan and without considering the unintended consequences."

"Jones rarely uses leg-hold traps," Billing said. "When they are used properly and checked regularly, an animal will not chew off its own leg. This amendment," he said to the audience, "does not ban leg-hold traps in the county. Jones would not allow the chewing off of a leg. But other people can still use traps. It has been brought to my attention that a wolf was caught and relocated to this county from Catron. It was caught in a rubberized leg-hold trap. The only alternative was to issue a death warrant for the animal. A leg-hold trap can be used to save an animal."

Salas said: "I'm the center of this controversy because I was so mis-educated. I was not lobbied by ranchers. I received a number of calls from people opposed to the agreement. After talking to Jones, I don't feel like the leg-hold trap is an issue, because he doesn't use them. He doesn't indiscriminately use any of his tools. Ranchers are only part of his duties. His services are for everybody. It is a misconception that it is only ranchers he helps. He helps Game and Fish, which was in Bayard when the schools were closed because of lions in the area. Yes, ranchers use his services and are an integral part of the community. If there were no Jones, ranchers would take it on themselves. Not every shot is a kill, so animals would suffer, and people could use other toxic poisons. That would cause the death of carnivores eating the carcasses. The M-44 doesn't have the toxicity to kill a human. It cannot be set off if you accidentally step on it. It has to be pulled when the animal pulls up on the bait. I also learned he has had only 16 targeted kills in Grant County. He gives his data to his supervisor. I do know the grazing fees pay for Wildlife Services. It goes into a general fund for everything, including research. People are educated that go into Wildlife Services. Possibly there will be new tools. Technology will come up. He's called on every dangerous predator. A lot of the information is national and international. Will things change when Jones leaves? It may, but as long as he's here, he's a consummate professional. I have to vote for what is best for Grant County. No dogs have been killed here. He's doesn't place M-44s on forest land. He makes sure there is a need. It's a delicate issue. I love animals. I don't hunt because I couldn't kill an animal. I'll take the blame for not being properly educated. I will listen to all my constituents."

Ponce said his biggest fear is if nothing in in place, if nothing is structured. "I've spoken to Jones and I feel comfortable with this. If we don't have structure, how many more animals will die? The last thing I want is people putting out traps or shooting. I care about animals. People in town poison rats, dead rats carry the poison, which can kill other animals. Wildlife Services is structured and controlled. Until something better comes up, I think this is the best service because it is structured. I feel comfortable with Mr. Jones. He's not a vigilante. I call for the vote."

The amendment received one aye and three nays.

The motion of the contract as written by the USDA received three ayes and a delayed nay from Edwards.

The final article will complete the work session discussions and the regular meeting decisions.