BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho Cattle Association is now accepting applications and donations for its annual Wildfire Relief Fund.
"In times of emergency and need, we want to be there to support," said Morgan Lutgen, communications and industry relations director.
Qualifying entities or individuals include "local associations or Idaho cattle producers, RFPAs, volunteer fire departments or organizations, individuals or others that provided assistance, resources or funds to fight 2024 wildfires that caused losses or threatened cattle producer's livestock, property or resources," according to the news release.
People can apply until Oct. 15. Lutgen said the association will evenly split the funds between the recipients.
"Animal loss, feed loss, or whatever it was... they know right from the beginning we can't necessarily cover their entire costs," she said. "But any little bit helps."
The association started the fund in 2022. Jay Smith received $10,000 that year after a wildfire burned more than 100,000 acres near Salmon.
"It was a very stressful summer," he said.
Bureau of Land Management policy for rehabbing land near a wildfire usually requires ranchers to move their livestock. To keep his grazing permit, Smith used the money to start a virtual fencing project with the University of Idaho.
"When grazing is your resource, and that resource equals your income," he said. "When you don't have it, you don't have it. So, if a small amount of money can make a large difference in a family or multiple families' lives, then it's money well spent."
Lutgen said the number of people they can help depends on how much money is donated.