broader wildlife program by using the framework of the wildlife program's strategic and six-year 

 plans. The development of measurable criteria will be accomplished once the goals and 

 objectives are clearly defined, utilizing the assistance of the Block Management Working Group 

 (BMWG), a group of landowners, hunters, and FWP staff which I appointed in 

 August, 1999 to advise the Department about how to improve this program. We expect to 

 accomplish this task prior to the 2001 hunting season. 



Recommendation #2 



We recommend the Department develop methods to: 



A. Coordinate access provided under the Block Management Program, the Upland 

 Game Bird Habitat Enhancement Program, and Habitat Montana. 



B. Publicize and monitor the hunting on conservation easements and the Upland Game 

 Bird Habitat Enhancement Program projects. 



Concur 



The Department agrees that efforts to obtain access through various programs could be 

 better coordinated to improve program efficiency. At the same time, the Department recognizes 

 that both the Habitat Montana and Upland Game Bird Habitat Enhancement Programs 

 (UGBHEP) are primarily habitat programs, with access provided either with reasonable use 

 limitations (UGBHEP) or specific use limitations (Habitat Montana). While many of the habitat 

 projects are also currently enrolled in the Block Management Program, some are not, and may 

 not be suited for enrollment. However, the contracts for UGBHEP projects now require hunter 

 use definitions, as do most Habitat Montana projects where hunter access is provided. Providing 

 the public with information about these access opportunities is important to meeting both 

 expectation and intent. The Department intends to coordinate efforts within those programs 

 where public hunting access is obtained by the 2000 hunting season, and will provide the public 

 with appropriate information about these programs by the 2001 hunting season. 



Recommendation #3 



We recommend the Department establish an access coordination function. 



Concur 



With public access playing an increasingly important role in the Department's ability to 

 fulfill its mission, the coordination of programs and activities involving public access is of 

 utmost importance. The 1999 Legislature approved our request to create a staff position 

 specifically associated with access. While the duties of this position will primarily relate to 

 public land hunting access issues, the coordination of all programs involving public hunting 

 access will take place prior to the 2000 hunting season. 



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