Life" and Craighead Environmental Research Instih.ite as well as by the USFWS. These models use 

 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to predict the broad areas of highest potential for linkage between 

 habitat units for various carnivores. Each model has different assumptions. The main assumption of the 

 USFWS Linkage Zone Model is that human activities determine wildlife distribution in disturbed areas. 

 This model uses road density, human developed sites (i.e. houses, campgrounds) and the influence zone 

 around them, presence or lack of vegetative hiding cover, and presence of riparian zones. 



Linkage zone models are used to predict where grizzly bears and other wildlife species, particularly large 

 carnivores, are most likely to successfully cross between large blocks of public land in the northern Rocky 

 Mountains. These predictions are based on the assumption that movement is most likely to be successful 

 where human activity is least. This does not mean that grizzly bears and other species will not try and 

 cross other areas. The linkage zone concept is based on maintaining and enhancing movement 

 possibilities in areas where such movement is most likely to be successful. A critical element of linkage 

 zones is the pivotal role that private landowners will play in maintaining these areas. Clearly, all 

 agencies, including FWP, must work together to meet landowner needs and engage them in these 

 programs. Linkage programs already in place include FWPs Habitat Montana and Wildlife Mitigation 

 programs which focus on easements and acquisitions. Other vitally important programs focus on work 

 with local land trusts on smaller easements. 



Figure 10. Current and potential grizzly bear distribution in Montana. Light gray = areas occupied by 

 black bears. Dark gray = areas with the potential to encounter grizzly or black bears in Montana. 



It is FWPs long-term goal to allow the populations in western Montana to reconnect by occupying 

 currently unoccupied habitats. FWP anticipates that successful implementation of this plan, along with 

 adequate local involvement, can allow this to occur. In the near term, FWP intends to address those land- 

 use patterns that promote or hinder bear movement. Focus areas currently are the Evaro Hill area, the St. 

 Regis area, and intermountain valleys. FWP currently uses habitat programs in these areas to provide for 

 wildlife needs and anticipates additional efforts with the Montana Department of Transportation to 



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