In general, Montana's estimated timber harvest for 2004 was about equal to 2003 levels, with private 

 harvest rising slightly in response to slightly higher prices. Based on data for 2003, 70% of the timber 

 harvested in Montana was from private lands, national forests supplied 20 percent and all other 

 ownerships accounted for 10%. 



M llioti BaiKd 

 Feret. Scr bner 

 1 .500 r 



1 .200 - 



900 



fiOO 



300 - 



Figure 4: Montana timber harvested by ownership 1945-2004. 



Source: Bureau of Business and Economic Research, The University of Montana-Missoula: 



USDA Forest Service Region One, Missoula, Montana. 



Recreational Opportunities 



Outdoor recreation and tourism is a major component of the economy in this 17-county area. Western 

 Montana is nationally renowned for its high quality fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, river floating, 

 skiing, snowmobiling, wildlife viewing and sightseeing opporttmities. Nearby, Glacier National Park 

 and Flathead Lake attract large numbers of people to the area every year. Many of these outdoor 

 activities are made possible by public ownership of large tracts of mountainous habitat and additional 

 access provided by many private landowners. 



Recreationists have largely unhindered access to millions of acres of undeveloped land. Some of this land 

 is currently, or based on documented trends of increasing distribution will be, occupied by grizzly bears. 

 As bear numbers and distribution increase, and the number of outdoor enthusiasts grow, contact and 

 interaction with people engaged in outdoor activities is likely to increase. 



15 



