Bill would limit expansion of black-tailed prairie dogs

Property owners would be held accountable for the migration of black-tailed prairie dogs under a bill given first-round approval Jan. 25.

LB473, introduced by Ellsworth Sen. LeRoy Louden, would make landowners responsible for managing the expansion of prairie dog colonies. The bill would apply only if a neighboring landowner objects to the migration of prairie dogs onto his or her land.

Louden said colonies built by black-tailed prairie dogs can weaken the structure of the land. The bill was designed with the understanding that not everyone is opposed the animals, he said.

Counties that choose to adopt a management plan could employ personnel to implement the plan. Any landowner found to be out of compliance with the ordinance would be served an official notice. The person then would have 60 days to take measures to control the expansion.

If a landowner fails to take action within 60 days, the county would take over management of the problem. Any cost incurred to the county for controlling the migration of prairie dogs would be charged to the offending landowner.

“This bill doesn’t require eradication,” Louden said. “It requires landowners to control expansion to other properties.”

An Agriculture Committee amendment, adopted 31-0, clarified the procedures for counties wanting to implement local management plans.

Holdrege Sen. Tom Carlson, Agriculture Committee chairperson, said counties would be required to specify the necessity for a management plan and include a list of methods used to manage the prairie dog colonies.

“Prairie dogs are a problem,” Carlson said. “Proper management is appropriate and necessary.”

Senators advanced the bill to select file on a 30-0 vote.