The Cost for Agriculture to Coexist With Wildlife in Colorado

Abstract

This study estimated costs incurred by agricultural producers to coexist with wildlife in Colorado, where there is little data, and demonstrates that secondary data sources can provide reliable estimates. Three secondary sources were used: government expenditures, spatial data (e.g., geographic information systems), and published studies. Results showed that secondary data provide comparable estimates to more expensive and time consuming surveys. Costs covered by the government sum to $14,478,523. Total costs increase to $77,162,499 when farm and ranch costs that are not reported to the government are included (e.g., property damage, opportunity costs, prevention, and management). These results inform policy makers and producers alike about the value that agricultural stewardship provides wildlife. Results also provide evidence that secondary data sources are a cost-effective, powerful approach that can supplement surveys.