Evaluation Criteria
Application evaluators will use the criteria summarized below to review submitted applications. The criteria have been summarized below.
Ranch Location & Total Implementation Acres - Within the Yellowstone Ecosystem, the southern portion is highest priority; secondary priority will be given to all other properites within the Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Habitat types covered by the applicant, Habitat Priority Areas (Sagebrush-steppe, riparian, foothills/montane sagebrush), and Migration Pathways are priority habitat types for virtual fence conservation efforts. Sage-grouse habitat, mule deer migration routes, Pronghorn migration routes or crucial ranges for elk and moose are also important. You may choose to work with your local Game and Fish Department to understand your ranch's placement in respect to priority areas and habitats. Doing so will benefit your application.
Existing Conservation Stewardship - Many ranchers do a good job of stewarding the lands that they own. It is important to showcase any stewardship that you are already doing. This includes cooperative monitoring, implementing a grazing rotation, and working with public or private sector folks to enhance your existing operation. This can include any other range technology that you are currently using to inform management.
Virtual Fence Research - Have you already explored using virtual fencing for your operation? It's important to do your own research prior to applying. This is especially the case when spending a significant amount of funds to implement this technology. RCF will rank applicants higher that have interviewed multiple companies in order to make an informed decision on which approach best helps them implement a virtual fence program. Also, remember your range conservationists if you operate on BLM or USFS. They should be in the loop regarding your plan, prior to submitting your application.
Intended Conservation Benefits - Have you thought out what social, economic, or conservation goals you want to achieve using virtual fence for your operation? Have you determined the objectives or tasks required to help you meet your goal? Well articulated goals and objectives and thoughtful description of conservation benefits will stand out in this application process.
Partnerships Matter - Not only can partnerships help create a bulletproof project, but they can bring warm bodies to help implement the project (helping to collar, troubleshoot base stations, etc.). Partners can also bring cost share - both monetary and in-kind. We encourage livestock operators to get others involved from the beginning. Some ideas include (but are not limited to) the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Wyoming Department of Agriculture, Conservation Districts, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bureau of Land Management and United States Forest Service Range Conservationists, and State Lands Specialists.
Are you willing to share? - Publicizing this activity will be part of the agreement, so if you aren't excited about others learning from your experiences, you need not apply.