3. State Lands 



3.1 Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) 



On state lands administered by the FWP, there are no department -wide food storage guidelines and 

 sanitation efforts. However, there are a few area-specific cases within each region where food storage 

 guidelines and sanitation efforts are in place. Each region has a wildlife management specialist who is 

 responsible for the management of grizzly bear - human conflicts and who acts under the direction of a 

 region-specific management plan. Each of these plans includes preventive as well as damage control 

 efforts. Note that the entirety of a region may not be included within the boundaries of this management 

 plan. 



Re gion 1 



• Bear-resistant dumpsters are in place in most state parks . (M. Watkins, T. Manley), primarily to 

 address black bear problems. If a bear is sighted in the area, on-the-ground education occurs, the area 

 is signed, and voluntary compliance of food storage guidelines is encouraged. 



• The management plan for Bull River Wildlife Management Area, a recent land acquisition as of 

 2/2005, will include regulations and guidelines for grizzly bear management (B. Sterling, pers. 

 comm.). The plan is expected to be completed by 12/2005. 



• On Ninepipes Wildlife Management Area, bear-human conflict areas have been identified and 

 managed on a case-by-case basis. These include electric fencing around apiaries and monitoring both 

 bear- and human use around existing fruit trees on the management area. 



• All fishing access sites and wildlife management areas are day-use only. Recreationist are expected to 

 comply with the pack-in/pack-out policy. 



Re gion 2 



• Warm Springs, Garrity, and Lost Creek Wildlife Management Areas. No overnight use. Pack-in/Pack- 

 out policy in place. Pamphlets regarding bear identification and safety in bear country made 

 available to recreationist. (D.Dziak). 



• Bear-resistant dumpsters are in place at Salmon Lake and Placid Lake State Parks, and at most fishing 

 access sites along the Blackfoot River. (J.Firebaugh). 



• An Environmental Assessment is being prepared regarding food storage guidelines on the Blackfoot- 

 Clearwater Wildlife Management Area. (Mike Thompson). 



• In the spring of 2002 Region 2 launched the "Living with BlacJi Bears and Grizzly Bears and Lions" 

 project (LBGL). In order to help residents, landowners, and hunters learn how to live in bear, lion, 

 and wolf country the region developed this proactive program that focuses on public education, 

 preventative measures, and quick response to complaints. (J. Jonkel) 



Region 3 



• Most of Region 3 falls outside the boundaries of this management plan. (See figure x - map showing 

 regions and area covered bv this plan). 



• All fishing access sites and wildlife management areas within the region adhere to the pack-in/pack- 

 out policy. 



• Outreach and prevention efforts by the wildlife management specialist in this region are focused 

 where the grizzlv bears are, which is centered around the Yellowstone Ecosystem and not in the area 

 covered by this management plan. 



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