Montana FWP seeks public input on draft grizzly management plan

HELENA — Leaders with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks have unveiled a brand new draft plan for managing grizzly bears, and so they’re asking the general public for his or her ideas.

FWP says, as grizzlies increase their presence throughout the state, it’s essential to have an up to date plan to information administration whereas the species stays listed as threatened beneath the federal Endangered Species Act – and to put out a future coverage if they’re finally delisted.

The draft plan calls grizzly bears a species that’s “conservation-reliant” – which means it would all the time require intensive administration – and “conflict-prone.”

“FWP envisions a future by which grizzly bears will proceed to be an essential image of the State of Montana and a part of its cultural heritage,” the plan says. “The overwhelming success of grizzly bear restoration, so far, speaks to its significance and central position within the tradition of Montana. FWP would proceed to make sure their long-term presence in Montana, recognizing that they’re among the many most troublesome species to have in our midst.”

Till now, the state has had two separate plans: one for western Montana and one for southwest Montana. Nonetheless, leaders say grizzlies now occupy many areas exterior the unique restoration zones, so it’s time for a statewide coverage.

The brand new draft plan doesn’t set a statewide inhabitants purpose for grizzlies, but it surely does focus on targets in every of 4 particular restoration areas. Within the Better Yellowstone Ecosystem, FWP dedicated to the purpose of sustaining about 932 bears, whereas within the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem, they might handle with the purpose of a 90% chance that the realm has at the least 800 grizzlies. Leaders mentioned they believed the prevailing populations in these areas are assembly their restoration targets, and so they known as for delisting in these areas.

FWP mentioned they supported federal efforts to succeed in restoration objectives within the Cupboard-Yaak Ecosystem of far northwestern Montana, and to reestablish a inhabitants within the Bitterroot Ecosystem in Idaho and components of Montana.

The plan additionally says FWP would handle for “connectivity” between these populations, via bears touring and generally via relocation. In areas that don’t have that connectivity – particularly east of the recognized habitats – leaders mentioned they’d be extra more likely to advocate controls on bears when conflicts happen. They mentioned working with personal landowners in these transitional areas will probably be key.

FWP additionally mentioned, if grizzlies are delisted, they might be ready to think about a “small in scope” searching season, on the discretion of the Montana Fish and Wildlife Fee – although they acknowledged not all Montanans can be supportive of the plan. Leaders mentioned any searching can be performed in keeping with their dedication to “sustaining thriving grizzly bear populations inside their core areas.”

FWP is ready to reply questions concerning the draft plan throughout a statewide webinar Dec. 15. They’re additionally accepting public feedback on the plan and its accompanying environmental affect assertion via Jan. 5.