FWP will also seek implementation of expanded funding sources such as those appropriated for State 

 Wildlife Grants since 2001. These are considered in Congress each year. In addition, the states of 

 Montana, Idaho and Wyoming are still investigating the idea of a grizzly bear/gray wolf trust fund that 

 could be created through a special federal appropriation to fund the conservation and management of 

 these two species of national significance. Regardless of the source, the key to successful implementation 

 of these programs is the establishment of dependable long-term funding. 



Alternatives Considered 



1. This program should be solely contingent on increases ui federal funding. 



Our experience indicates that a solid state-funding base is a key component in long-term success. 

 The estimated costs for implementing this plan are presented above (see Table 8). This is not 

 intended to be a detailed description of program costs, but it does provide an idea of current and 

 anticipated expenses. Annual budgets are impacted by both federal and state processes, and these 

 can impact funding and priorities. 



I. EXPANDED LOCAL INVOLVEMENT 



Implementing successful long-term wildlife programs requires the support of local communities that 

 share the land with these species and are therefore most affected by ensuing management decisions. 

 By actively involving local communities and inviting their participation, FWPs goal is to develop an 

 integrated grizzly bear program that incorporates local knowledge and site specific solutions to 

 promoting the recovery process. Accordingly FWPs preferred approaches include the following: 



> On approval of this plan, FWP will conduct town meetings in western Montana as the first step in 

 explaining the programs and cultivating local interest. 



> FWP will explore opportunities to form or support local work groups in Libby, Seeley/Swan, 

 Thompson Falls, Hamilton, Choteau, Ovando, and Kalispell. If needed, additional groups may be 

 created in other areas. Existing groups with interests in these issues could also be identified and 

 contacted. For example, the Blackfoot Challenge and North Fork Interlocal. 



> If local interest groups are established, the area biologist will coordinate with them and plan to attend 

 at least one annual meeting to address grizzly bear management concerns. This would also provide a 

 forum for sharing informadon on current grizzly bear science, population status, and management 

 approaches with local residents. 



> FWP anticipates that over time, such meetings will provide local residents with an opportunity to 

 discuss and anticipate conflicts, prepare for them, and develop innovative approaches to try and 

 prevent them. 



> With the input of local residents and other interests, and through the programs adaptive 

 management framework, over time experience and knowledge will accumulate. Outcomes can be 

 evaluated and policy changes made if, and when, needed. 



Montana's intent, through such efforts, is to increase local participation in program development and 

 long-term local ownership of bear conservation programs. 



• Local work groups would act in an advisory role, and partner with FWP. The purpose is to share 

 information, generate citizen recommendations for resolving human/bear conflicts, and increase 

 tolerance for bears. Work groups should include agriculture, conservation, sportsmen, land 



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