Montana FWP solicits input on draft plan for grizzly bear management

HELENA — Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks has 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 can all the time require intensive administration – and “conflict-prone.”

“FWP envisions a future through 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 tough 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 outdoors the unique restoration zones, so it’s time for a statewide coverage.

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

FWP stated 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 elements of Montana.

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

FWP additionally stated, if grizzlies are delisted, they’d be ready to contemplate a “small in scope” looking season, on the discretion of the Montana Fish and Wildlife Fee – although they acknowledged not all Montanans can be supportive of the plan. Leaders stated any looking can be performed according to their dedication to “sustaining thriving grizzly bear populations inside their core areas.”

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

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