Wyoming wildlife officials OK rancher payment plan for elk-eaten grass

DOUGLAS – Wyoming Game and Fish Commissioners have OK'd a new compensation program that may resolve a sometimes-fiery debate over whether the state should pay livestock producers more for forage eaten off their rangeland by over-populated elk herds.

The solution establishes criteria for payment eligibility based on the degree to which a local elk herd is overpopulated and the percentage of grass eaten by that game. Additionally, a ranch must allow some hunters on the property to be eligible.

It was resoundingly unpopular with hunters in draft form, but didn't change much following public comme...