Natural Resources - Wildlife Damage Prevention and Reimbursement Fund - Establishment

SB 736 establishes the Wildlife Damage Prevention and Reimbursement Fund to help agricultural producers reimburse costs from deer, geese, and other wildlife damaging crops. The fund, financed by $5 conservation deer stamps, state budget appropriations, and donations, reimburses eligible farmers for verified damage (minimum $200, maximum $5,000 annually) after they follow department-recommended prevention measures and have damage assessed by University of Maryland extension agents. It also provides grants for community-based prevention projects like reducing wildlife attractants, prioritizing cost-effective, locally supported initiatives. The fund is non-lapsing and administered by the state Department, directly aiding farmers and landowners affected by wildlife.