Alternatives Considered 



1. No expansion of education and public outreach efforts. 



Expanded efforts are essential to the objective to allow for expanded bear distribution and long-term 

 survival of the species. 



2. Modify the mandatory hear ID test for black bear hunters to require "hi person " testing and recertification. 



Because this is a new program, it will be monitored to determine its success at reducing mistaken 

 identity mortalities. If adjustments such as those suggested or others become necessary, they may be 

 implemented in the future. Such changes are currently being evaluated in the Cabinet-Yaak area. 



G. FUTURE RESEARCH 



While ongoing monitoring and research has provided a wealth of information on grizzly bears in the 

 region, much still remains unanswered. FWPs goal is to promote a scientifically sound research program 

 that increases our knowledge of grizzly bears in western Montana in order to guide recovery efforts and 

 increase public support and confidence in the program. Preferred approaches include: 



> Continuing research will be an important component of the grizzly bear program. 



> Research proposals will be evaluated by the appropriate Interagency Grizzly Bear Subcommittee 

 to ensure that they are justified and address questions specific to the grizzly bear recovery 

 program. FWP will also examine the possibility of incorporating additional outside review. 



> Collaborative research will be undertaken with partners such as universities, NGOs, tribal 

 authorities, federal agencies and adjoining provinces. 



> Research projects will focus on gaining a greater understanding of region specific factors 

 affecting grizzly bear numbers and distribution. Continued baseline research on habitat use, 

 movement patterns, population trends, survivorship and mortality will be conducted. 



> Population health assessments and investigation of potential impacts of disease will be initiated. 



> Research that is applied in nature and integrates the biological, economic and social factors 

 affecting grizzly bear management will be actively pursued. 



> Bear use, human use and human-bear interactions in areas of high human occupancy are a 

 priority. 



> Impact of recreational activities on grizzly bear seasonal habitat use are a priority i.e. 

 snowmobiles and backcountry use. 



> Efforts to assess impacts on habitat security as a result of commercial activities such as mining 

 and timber harvest are a priority. 



> FWPs Communication and Education Division will evaluate effectiveness of bear-safety public 

 education efforts. 



> Research findings will be published and/or disseminated at regional meetings and to 

 interested/affected parties. 



Research is an iterative and ongoing process, and FWPs adaptive management program is formatted to 

 include updated information and understanding of the species and its requirements. Considerable work 

 has been conducted on grizzly bears in other areas; namely the GYE. While many of these research 

 findings are applicable to northwestern and western Montana, incorporating an active research 

 component into this plan will provide FWP with region specific data. Such data will ultimately refine our 

 knowledge of bears in the region. 



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