Wolf and elk depredation compensation payments funding provided, and money appropriated.

HF 271 appropriates funding from the general fund for compensation payments to Minnesota farmers and ranchers who suffer livestock losses or property damage from wolves or elk. Specifically, it allocates money for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to cover livestock destroyed by wolves (under Minn. Stat. § 3.737) and crop or fence damage caused by elk (under Minn. Stat. § 3.7371). The bill includes a provision allowing up to $5,000 annually to reimburse university extension agents for determining fair market values of damaged livestock. If claims exceed expected levels, funds can be shifted between the wolf and elk programs to ensure payments remain available.