lower 48 states identified by the L'SFWS plan for grizzly recovery (Figure 1). Habitat protection under 

 state authority began with winter game range acquisitions in the 1940s and stream preservation in the 

 early 1960s. Generally, concern for and protection of habitat appeared in state laws dealing with 

 controlling natural resource development. These laws usually addressed specific resource issues such as 

 surface mining and siting of major inclustrial facilities. An exception to this specific approach was the 

 Montana En\'ironmentai Policy Act (MEPA) adopted in 1971. Montana MEPA law was mirrored in large 

 part on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) adopted by Congress in 1969. The Montana Fish 

 and Game Commission (MFGC), today known as the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission 

 (MFWPC), adopted rules for implementing MEPA. These niles provide for the preparation and 

 distribution of an environmental analysis evaluating a series of actions, programs or policies that affect 

 the quality of the human environment. 



British 

 Columbia 



Padfk 

 Ocean 



■>-^ 'irmot 



Washington 



Ecgwsipips 



Sonh Casc.i;. ■ 



Selkirks 



Cat)(nei Yiak 



N'orthcm 



Conimcnul Divide 



Sitierrool 



Ycllows^ore 



Figure 1. Grizzly bear recovery zones in the lower 48 states. 



Montana's concern continues today as demonstrated by the fact that the species is Montana's "State 

 Animal," and there is specific policy directing management of the species. Grizzly bear populations are 

 currently increasing, and expanding, in the Yellowstone and portions of the Northern Continental Divide 

 area. A small populahon of grizzly bears in the Cabinet- Yaak area of Montana appears to have increased 

 from the 1970s but may be declining at present. While there are currently no documented grizzlies in the 

 Bitterroot ecosystem, individual animals have been sighted in the vicinity. 



It is important to recognize that the presence of a viable grizzly bear population is very important to 

 many people in Montana as well as nationally. This species provides one example of why Montana is 

 such a special place to live, work, and recreate. Many people travel to Montana with the hope of seeing a 

 bear and the stories of such encounters are retold many times. There are also clear economic benefits 



