Service (the Yellowstone Area model is not yet complete). These models use Global Imaging 

 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 is that human 

 activities determine wildlife distribution in disturbed areas. Models generally look at 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 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 successfixl. 

 The most critical element of these reviews is the pivotal role that private landowners will play in 

 maintaining these areas. Clearly, FWP must meet their needs to engage them in these programs. 



It is FWP's 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 

 needs to address those land-use patterns that promote or hinder bear movement. Focus areas 

 currently are the Bozeman Pass area, the Gallatin Canyon, and Madison and Paradise valleys. 

 FWP currently uses habitat programs in these areas to provide for wildlife needs and anticipates 

 additional efforts with the Department of Transportation to address issues of wildlife movement 

 across roads (especially Interstates 90 and 15; and Highways 287, 191, 89, and 20). FWP will 

 also work with landowners and private interests to promote programs that provide for wildlife 

 access to private lands. In summary, FWP's goal is to expand recovery in southwestern 

 Montana. 



An alternative considered was limiting grizzly bear distribution to just the PCA. However, in 

 FWP's judgment this approach is logistically impossible and biologically undesirable. In order 

 to maintain resiliency in the population to changes in habitat, tolerance levels and other factors, 

 bears need to be allowed to occupy a broader landscape. Also, bears cannot be confined to the 

 PCA because there are no barriers to contain them, and it is impossible to know the location of 

 every animal all the time. 



Trails 



> FWP will gather information on trail use both within and outside the PCA. In the absence of 

 good data, management programs trend toward extreme solutions. For example, if trail use 

 creates problems only at specific times, it may be possible to accommodate use at other 

 times. Conversely, without season and intensity of use information, FWP will be unable to 

 make such determinations. 



> All FWP trails projects will be reviewed by area biologists and grizzly bear concerns 

 addressed. 



> Federal trails programs are currently being adjusted, and FWP is participating in and 

 supporting those efforts. FWP will seek Forest Service and BLM support of its 

 programs/data gathering. 



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