revisions, NEPA, and other federal processes. FWP will continue to encourage public 

 involvement in these processes. 



Finally, there were suggestions that FWP identify certain "triggers" for response to 

 potential habitat changes. In FWP's judgment, such specifics are not possible due to the 

 nature of the bear (an opportunistic omnivore), and the many variables that affect, or 

 potentially affect, its habitat. FWP will monitor the population and habitat as indicated in 

 the plan and respond, where possible, to ensure the survival of the bear as it responds to 

 problems that affect all other wildlife species it manages. 



In conclusion, FWP will work with other agencies, interests, and private landowners to 

 ensure grizzly bear habitat needs are addressed both within and outside the PCA. In fact, 

 this is already ongoing in many areas in southwestern Montana with regard to Forest Plan 

 revisions, county plaiming, subdivision review, and individual work with ranchers and 

 ranchland groups. 



Roads: Comments requested that the criteria for road density inside the PCA be applied 

 outside or that the elk-road standards outside were inadequate to meet the needs of bears. 

 Concern was also expressed by some that road issues would be addressed in such a way 

 as to "lock" people out of the forest. 



The major federal landowners (U.S. Forest Service and BLM) are currently reviewing 

 and adjusting their travel plans for southwestern Montana. These agencies are working 

 with local and other interests to modify travel plans. FWP supports these efforts. In 

 addition, the plan recommends following our elk standards outside the PCA. These 

 standards recommend one mile of road or less per square mile of land. FWP felt at this 

 time that the standard will allow us to meet the needs of the bear outside the PCA. There 

 are some areas where this standard may be too high, and access will need to be modified, 

 and others where more flexibility can be promoted. This will vary depending on habitat 

 type, conflicts with people or property, etc. Utilizing the adaptive management approach 

 outlined in this plan, FWP expects to be able to respond as it gains knowledge and 

 experience in these newly occupied areas. 



There was also a lot of concern over off-road vehicle issues. These issues are also 

 currently being addressed through the forest planning process and others. FWP will work 

 with those agencies to ensure that adequate monitoring programs are developed, both 

 within and outside the PCA, and enforcement programs are also implemented. Clearly 

 the advances in ORV technology have created the need for better management programs 

 to address this issue. We intend to work with various interests including the local groups 

 identified in the plan to address these issues. 



Delisting: There were comments received either in support or opposition to delisting the 

 grizzly bear in this area from the Federal Endangered Species Act. The issue of delisting 

 is not addressed in this plan because the listing or delisting of species is a separate federal 

 process overseen by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. FWP developed this plan to 

 address how our bear management program would look should the species be delisted in 



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