> 



> 



License revenue will be used to partially fund these programs as well as federal Pittman-Robertson 

 funds from excise taxes on firearms and ammunition. 



FWP will seek significant additional federal funding for and develop an MOU with federal agencies 

 to contribute funding support and involvement with habitat and population monitoring within the 

 recovery zones, as directed by a Conser\'ation Strategy, and on federal lands outside the recovery 

 zones. 



FWP will explore avenues to encourage recreationists to participate in program funding. 

 FWP will continue to work to find ways for national interests in this species to be reflected in long- 

 term funding commitments, i.e., a national endowment. Congressional act, or other mechanisms. 

 While cost of the program will initially increase over current levels, these costs should stabilize or 

 even decrease over time as the species is managed as one component of our overall wildlife program. 

 FWP will explore development of a grizzly bear specialty license plate as an additional source of 

 funding. 



Each year FWP spends approximately $400,000 on grizzly bear management programs (Table 8). These 

 funds are used primarily to monitor and manage population status, distribution, conflict, and mortality 

 within the state. As grizzly bear numbers and their distribution increase so too will management costs. 



Table 8. FWP western Montana grizzly bear management plan expenses. 



Expense 



Current 

 Expenditures 



Additional 



Funding 



Needs 



Human/Bear Connict (includes: wildlife specialists, bear dog contract, 

 preventative measures, wardens, biologists, and staff time) 



Monitoring (females with cubs, radio tracking, DNA work, FWP 

 Laboratory expenses) 



Outreach (conservation education, news releases, etc.) 



Admin (statewide program administrative costs) 



198,000 



150,000 



40,000 

 20,000 



88,000 



175,000 



25,000 

 20,000 



Total 



408,000 



308,000 



While future costs are difficult to estimate, particularly in light of the fact that expansion may not be 

 limited in the near future, FWP acknowledges that existing financial resources are not adequate. The 

 costs associated with data collection and conflict management will certainly exceed funds currently 

 available. As a result, the grizzly program will not be self-sufficient and will likely always rely on 

 existing funding sources to a large extent. This is not unusual as the costs associated with managing most 

 big and small game, as well as fisheries, programs typically exceed revenues from license sales. 



As is the case with any other managed species, adequate management of grizzly bears should take place 

 wherever they are allowed to reoccupy. Moreover, the grizzly bear is a species of national interest. FWP 

 will continue to pursue some form of a naHonal endowment with funds generated from Congress. 

 Interest from the endowment would be used to offset the costs of managing the grizzly bear in western 

 Montana, especially inside the recovery zones. This would truly empower all state and federal agencies 

 with the ability to more effectively manage this species. 



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