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 exceed revenues from license sales. Adequate management of 

 grizzly bears should take place wherever they are allowed to reoccupy, just like any other 

 managed species in the state. 



The grizzly bear is a species of national interest. As such, FWP will continue to pursue some 

 form of a national endowment with funds generated from Congress. Interest from the 

 endowment would be used to offset the costs of managing the grizzly bear in the Greater 

 Yellowstone Ecosystem. This would truly empower all state and federal agencies with the 

 ability to more effectively manage this species. 



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

 State Wildlife Grants in 2001 that are once again being considered in Congress this year. The 

 key, however, is long-term fiinding. 



An alternative FWP considered was that this program be solely contingent on increases in federal 

 funding. However, our experience indicates that a solid state-ftxnding base is key to long-term 

 success. The estimated cost for implementing this plan are presented below (Table 5). 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 fixnding and priorities. 



Table 5. FWP Southwest Montana Grizzly Bear Management Plan expenses (Yellowstone 

 ecosystem). 



Expense Current Additional 



Expenditures $$ Needs 



Human/Bear Conflict (includes wildlife specialists, bear dog 1 58,000 68,000 

 contract, preventative measures, wardens, biologists, and staff 



time) 



Monitoring (Females with cubs, radio tracking, DNA work, 25,000 75,000 



FWP Laboratory expenses) 



Outreach (Cons Education news releases, etc.) 40,000 25,000 



Admin (statewide program admin. Costs) 20,000 20,000 



Grand Total 243,000 188,00"0" 



Expanded Local Involvement 



> On approval of this plan, FWP will conduct town meetings in southwestern Montana 

 explaining the programs and cultivating local interests. 



> FWP will explore opportunities to form local work groups in Big Sky, Red Lodge, Ennis, 

 Dillon, AlderA^irginia City, Emigrant/Gardiner, Bozeman, and Livingston. Additional 

 groups may be formed as needed or existing groups with interests in these issues could be 

 identified and contacted. If groups are formed, the local area biologist will coordinate and 



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