believe this approach will build tolerance or even support for the grizzly bear, and 

 provide for a healthy bear population in Montana. This will be possible in spite of some 

 site-specific problems. In other words, FWP is aware of the threats that exist to 

 currently occupied habitats, and FWP intends to monitor and respond to those threats 

 as indicated in the plan. FWP also recognizes the opportunities that are, and will be. 

 achieved with bears occupying currently unoccupied areas. FWP also believes the 

 conservative approaches applied in the PCA will allow bears to continue to utilize and 

 survive in that area into the foreseeable future. 



Some comments suggested that FWP needs to have some ability to change and/or 

 obtain authority over federal programs/projects on federal lands. FWP does not 

 anticipate such authority will be given to Montana. FWP will continue to work with 

 established processes to input the needs of the bears and other wildlife through federal 

 forest plan revisions, NEPA, and other federal processes. FWP will continue to 

 encourage public involvement in these processes. 



Finally, there were suggestions that FWP identify certain "triggers" for response to 

 potential habitat changes. In FWP's judgment, such specifics are not possible due to 

 the nature of the bear (an opportunistic omnivore), and the many variables that affect, or 

 potentially affect, its habitat. FWP will monitor the population and habitat as indicated in 

 the plan and respond, where possible, to ensure the survival of the bear as it responds 

 to problems that affect all other wildlife species it manages. 



In conclusion, FWP will work with other agencies, interests, and private landowners to 

 ensure grizzly bear habitat needs are addressed both within and outside the PCA. In 

 fact, this is already ongoing in many areas in southwestern Montana with regard to 

 Forest Plan revisions, county planning, subdivision review, and individual work with 

 ranchers and ranchland groups. 



Roads: Comments requested that the criteria for road density inside the PCA be 

 applied outside or that the elk-road standards outside were inadequate to meet the 

 needs of bears. Concern was also expressed by some that road issues would be 

 addressed in such a way as to "lock" people out of the forest. 



The major federal landowners (U.S. Forest Service and BLM) are currently reviewing 

 and adjusting their travel plans for southwestern Montana. These agencies are working 

 with local and other interests to modify travel plans. FWP supports these efforts. In 

 addition, the plan recommends following our elk standards outside the PCA. These 

 standards recommend one mile of road or less per square mile of land. FWP felt at this 

 time that the standard will allow us to meet the needs of the bear outside the PCA. 

 There are some areas where this standard may be too high, and access will need to be 

 modified, and others where more flexibility can be promoted. This will vary depending 

 on habitat type, conflicts with people or property, etc. Utilizing the adaptive 

 management approach outlined in this plan, FWP expects to be able to respond as it 

 gains knowledge and experience in these newly occupied areas. 



105 



