stands and identifying army cutworm moth aggregation sites using existing methodologies. Whitebark 

 pine stands will be identified and monitored for seed production, tree health (evidence of blister rust, 

 Cornartium ribicola), and evidence of bear use. Ungulate populations will be monitored using data 

 collected during FWP annual ungulate population and trend surveys. 



Private Land Development 



> FWP will continue to use statewide habitat programs to conserve key wildlife habitats in western 

 Montana. These include voluntary conservation easements and other private land conservation 

 efforts. 



> FWP will monitor categories of private land development and subdivision. 



> FWP will pursue programs that deal with limiting bear access to commercial orchards. 



Efforts to conserve habitats in this portion of Montana will continue to be a departmental priority due to 

 the ongoing threat of residential subdivision. FWP promotes the use of private land habitat initiatives. 

 Most are funded through earmarked accounts and include Montana's Migratory Bird Stamp (dollars 

 directed toward wetland riparian areas), Upland Game Bird Habitat Enhancement Program (dollars go 

 primarily towards enhancing habitat via good management shrub/grassland communities). State Wildlife 

 Grants (Sec. 6) and Habitat Montana. Specifically, Habitat Montana affords FWP the opportunity to 

 conserve habitat on private lands via lease, conservation easements (purchased) or fee title acquisition. 

 This voluntary program is not directed at specific species but rather at conserving Montana's most 

 threatened habitats, i.e. wetlands/riparian areas, shrub/grasslands, and intermountain foothills. Habitat 

 Montana funds have been used to conserve habitats across western Montana. 



The intermountain valleys between major mountain ranges of western Montana are primarily private 

 land. These private lands are vital to the area's agricultural economy and provide important habitat for a 

 variety of fish and wildlife species. As agricultural land, they also provide a wide range of opportunities 

 for wildlife to live and travel between mountain ranges. The landscape is also characterized by a mosaic 

 of major highways which bisect these valleys. FWP reviews most subdivisions, applies land conservation 

 programs like Habitat Montana, and works with Montana Department of Transportation on mitigating 

 barriers to crossing transportation routes. In addition, FWP will continue to investigate and develop 

 programs aimed at building tolerance for wildlife, including grizzly bears, on private land. This 

 approach, currently used for grizzly bears and other species, is very effective and will be continued. 



Agricultural enterprises, such as those surrounding Flathead Lake, can also impact bears by acting as 

 attractants. Many orchards are currently fenced to exclude deer. FWP, together with agencies such as the 

 Natural Resource Conservation Service, can work with commercial orchard operators on development 

 and implementation of appropriate technologies for excluding bears and minimizing property damage. 



Trails 



Trail use may include both motorized and non-motorized access. While programs are currently in place 

 that address maintenance and management of certain trail systems, concerns regarding appropriate use 

 levels and potential resource impacts (e.g. water quality, soil erosion and wildlife impacts) exist. As 

 recreahonal use increases, the potential arises for grizzly bears and their habitat to be impacted from 

 disparate outdoor activities ranging from off-road snow mobile travel to user created trail systems, 

 developed without appropriate planning. Taking into account the wide array of outdoor enthusiasts that 

 utilize areas frequented by grizzly bears, FWPs preferred approaches will include the following: 



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