LPD Comments Requested

The American Sheep Industry Association's (ASI) Livestock Protection Dog (LPD) Working Group is again asking for input or alternative options from producer members on the most current version of the proposed LPD program. Based upon the comments received on the original draft, the "Recommended Best Management Practices for LPD" has been revised to incorporate the proposed guidance and suggestions.

Heavy recreational use on federal lands that have historically been used for sheep grazing and continually expanding rural/urban interface on private lands have combined to create occasional conflicts between recreationalists and LPD. Without some guidance, there was concern that producers would not be allowed to use LPD on grazing allotments. The guidelines were developed to address this issue.

Some of the changes that are evident between the two drafts include:

• the "Self-Certification Program" was changed to "Recommended Best Management Practices of LPD;"
• a fundamental program principles section was added;
• alterations were made in the health management section; and
• discussions of rationale used have been incorporated into the document.

The revised best management practices are available for review on the ASI Web site at www.sheepusa.org/Livestock%20Protection%20Dogs. Comments from members can be submitted by e-mailing info@sheepusa.org.