FWP believes this -blend of alternatives would move the wildlife program toward a more 

 comprehensive approach to resource stewardship, would decrease the burden on hunters and anglers 

 to fiind all wildlife-related programs, provides FWP the direction that nontraditional programs be 

 supported by alternative funding, and identifies services for which collaborative or private sector 

 effort will best meet public needs and expectations. 



FWP also believes that the range of alternatives and our analysis of the probable consequences of 

 implementing each alternative as described in the Draft EIS and Supplement have adequately 

 addressed the important issues relevant to managing the state's wildlife resources. No new issues 

 were raised though the final phase of public involvement. Additionally, public comment on the 

 Draft EIS and Supplement focused primarily on actions and policies proposed under the analyzed 

 alternatives and did not indicate that our analysis of environmental consequences was incomplete 

 or inadequate. Thus FWP's decision is to forego publication of a Final EIS and to adopt the Draft 

 EIS and Supplement to the Draft as the Final EIS. 



For your information in this packet we are enclosing the Preferred Alternative, the environmental 

 analysis of that alternative and a summary of public comment received on the Draft EIS and 

 Supplement. 



This notice of decision will be followed by a pubUshed Record of Decision (ROD) that will provide 

 the legal and administrative rationale for the decision. Please send any inquiries to: Wildlife 

 Division, POB 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701. 



Sincerely, 



Qjr 'o\(X\\OLAA/\ 



Patrick J. Graham 

 Director 



