Ovis aries

The Guardian Shepherd Program (GSP), is an effective, ecologically sound Community-Based Conservation Plan that protects both people's livelihoods and wildlife. It was originally designed  and presented to the County of West Marin in September of 2000, by request of the Argricultural Commissioner, Stacey Carlson. It was an alternative to the Federal USDA Wildlife Service's lethal control of coyotes and other predators that prey on domestic livestock or otherwise interfere with livestock operations. The four components of the program were:

1. Exclusionary fencing that is properly constructed and maintained to keep out predators and increase the efficacy of guard animals i.e. llamas, donkeys and guard dogs.
   
2. (Optional) Shepherds imported from Mongolia or Peru would be trained by LBS to protect the flocks, using the most current visual and auditory detterents.  However, without the shepherds, the rancher would have to be more vigilant in tending his flocks.
3. Community outreach to teach the ranchers damage prevention, using the most current methods for discouraging predatory wildlife, and improving animal husbandry techniques.
   
4. Development of a Strategic Marketing Plan to increase revenue.

The County Supervisors vote to sunset the Federal USDA Wildlife Services predator management contract

The Guardian Shepherd Program was part of the Agricultural Commissioner, Stacey Carlsen's "Five-Year Plan To Protect Wildlife and Livestock,"   as a model non-lethal program for the ranchers to pursue.

On October 31st, 2000, Little Blue Society presented the Guardian Shepherd Program (GSP) to the Marin Board of Supervisors.  The GSP showed that non-lethal control was ecologically sound and more effective in reducing sheep losses to predators.  Supervisor Kress stated that Little Blue Society's hollistic approach to livestock protection was commendable and exemplary.

• January 30, 2001, Little Blue Society was invited by Mr. Carlsen to attend a meeting at the Tomales Town Hall with the Marin County sheep ranchers concerning coyote control and predator management. 
• February 22, a meeting was hosted by a long-time sheep ranching family, so that the community could learn more about the Guardian Shepherd Program. 
• In March, The North Bay Woolgrowers Association invited Little Blue Society to present the GSP at the Spring Field Day Meeting. (See Letter and Agenda)

Little Blue Society helped West Marin transition from lethal wildlife control to non-lethal methodologies. The components of the GSP program was tailored by Mr. Carlsen and used to meet the needs of the ranching community.

The Guardian Shepherd Program is a Community-Based Conservation Program that protects the natural world while protecting livelihoods and economic activities. It builds self-sufficient, ecologically sustainable ranching communites. 

See Related Article in the Marin Independent Journal, November 13, 2005

If you would like a program designed for your specific needs: 

Contact mary@littlebluesociety.org  or call usToll Free at (866) 702-9290

I want to see this program taken into other ranching communities currently using lethal predator control.  I support your efforts.