SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 45
(By Senators Hall, Williams and Plymale)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to
undertake a study of the economic impact of West Virginia's
deer population on the state's agricultural interests because
of deer-inflicted crop damage.
Whereas, Each year West Virginia farmers are experiencing
extensive losses to grain, fruits, vegetables and field crops
because of deer-inflicted crop damage; and
Whereas, Economic losses to West Virginia farmers caused by
deer-inflicted crop damage have significant impact on the financial
viability of many agricultural operations, and in some cases,
individual farmers are estimated to have lost thousands of dollars
in reduced annual income from deer-inflicted crop damage; and
Whereas, These losses have caused some farmers to stop farming
altogether and others to abandon tillable fields or to cease
growing their preferred crops; and
Whereas, At a time when the preservation of farmland has been
a significant initiative of this State, many farmers are unable to
make a profit because of deer-inflicted crop damage; and
Whereas, The agricultural community has long been aware of the
serious problem that deer-inflicted crop damage poses to
agriculture in this State, but the economic impact of the damage
has never been quantified in a comprehensive state-wide study; and
Whereas, There is a genuine need for a comprehensive study of
the economic impact of West Virginia's deer population on the
state's agricultural interests to assess the full extent of the
problem; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to undertake a study of the economic impact of West
Virginia's deer population on the state's agricultural interests
because of deer-inflicted crop damage; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the study additionally examine
practicable options to address the financial losses farmers are
experiencing from deer-inflicted crop damages, such as implementing
a claims process to reimburse farmers for their losses; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2011, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, including the contracting of an appropriate entity to
undertake a comprehensive analysis of deer-inflicted crop damage in
this State, and the expenses necessary to prepare a report and to
draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations
to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.
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