OLYMPIA – In a move to support farmers in less densely populated areas, the Washington State Legislature unanimously passed Senate Bill 5165, which aims to provide compensation for damage to commercial crops caused by wild deer and elk in designated frontier one counties. 

The bill, now signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson, is set to take effect July 27, 2025. 

The bill, sponsored by Senators Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake; Shelly Short, R-Addy; Mike Chapman, D-Port Angeles; Perry Dozier, R-Walla Walla, and Keith Wagoner, R-Sedro Woolley, allocates a minimum of 20% of available funds specifically for claims arising from frontier one counties — areas with a population density of 20 people or fewer per square mile. As of 2024, Adams County was considered a frontier one county.  

“We all appreciate the rich wildlife in our state, but we also must protect our farmers, who face real challenges from these animals,” said Warnick. “Deer and elk can cause extensive damage to crops, which affects not just the farmers' livelihoods but also the agricultural economy at large in these frontier areas.” 

The bill outlines that, to be eligible for compensation, commercial crop owners must have grown or produced agricultural products valued at over $10,000 in the previous year or be in their first year of agricultural production. They must also demonstrate efforts to prevent wildlife damage. Compensation for claims will only be issued if the assessed damage equals or exceeds $1,000, according to guidelines set by the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission. 

The passage of the bill marks a step in addressing the unique challenges faced by farmers in Washington's rural regions, Warnick said.  

The law emphasizes the need for a valid damage prevention cooperative agreement with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. It also sets a requirement for a licensed crop insurance adjuster to assess damages incurred. 

"The overwhelming bipartisan support for this legislation demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding our farmers," Warnick said. “It passed with 48 to zero votes in the Senate and received 96 votes in favor in the House. This shows a clear consensus on the importance of providing financial support to those who are genuinely affected by wildlife interactions.” 

As of 2024, the designated frontier one counties include Pend Oreille, Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan, Lincoln, Adams, Columbia, Garfield, Klickitat, Skamania, Jefferson and Wahkiakum.  

These counties have been significantly impacted by wildlife damage, especially in terms of agricultural output. According to Warnick, farmers in these areas, including her own district, have expressed challenges with deer and elk damaging crops, thereby incentivizing the need for legislative action. 

“We recognize that some farmers may find it difficult to navigate the application process for compensation; we're working to assist them in proving the damage. I hope this bill simplifies that process,” she said. "Photos and documentation will play a vital role in ensuring claims are processed efficiently." 

Moreover, while SB 5165 focuses on frontier one counties, there is discussion about eventually expanding the benefits to frontier two counties, those with populations ranging from 21 to 50 people per square mile.  

As of 2024, Clallam, Grays Harbor, Pacific, Lewis, Chelan, Kittitas, Douglas, Grant, Walla Walla, Whitman and Asotin counties were designated frontier two counties. 

Such an extension, as Warnick noted, would depend significantly on future funding availability.  

“The vision is to eventually include those frontier two counties, too, ensuring all farmers impacted by wildlife have similar protections,” she said. “But for now, we’re addressing the urgent needs of our frontier one farmers effectively.”