Issue: Commercial Uses /Effects on Recreational Opportunity -rtrfc 



FWP's response to applications for game farms and other commercial operations under this 

 alternative, such as charging applicants fees for processing applications, might result in no net impact 

 on recreational opporttmity. FWP would oversee commercial activities to protect current benefits and 

 reduce any detrimental effects on the resources that provide recreational opportunities to the public. 

 Potential for conflict exists with landowners who intend to expand their agricultural operations to i1 

 include game farms or shooting preserves. 



Issue: Landowner Relations /Effects on Recreational Opportunity 



Predator Control-This alternative would continue to address depredations on livestock but also > ,; 

 address wildlife goals. Expanded I&E efforts that emphasize skills of hunting and trapping and the > . • 

 role of predators in natural systems could increase interest and opportunities in both hunting and 

 viewing. 



Game Damage-FWP's policy for addressing game damage would remain essentially unchanged fi-om 

 alternative 1 . Game damage would continue to be addressed through setting of himting seasons and .. i 

 providing landowners with materials, such as fencing. This would benefit hunting opportunity on 

 private land and adjoining public land. General himting seasons that address game damage through 

 liberal regulations might seasonally reduce opportunities for nonhxmting recreation related to big 

 game because they directly reduce numbers of animals and affect behavior of remaining animals. 



Weed Control-The effect of weed control efforts on recreational opportunity imder any alternative 

 would depend on the success of control effort to maintain habitat integrity. For example, control of 

 noxious weeds could improve recreational opportunity by increasing the amount of available habitats 

 and thus animal numbers and species diversity. The impacts could vary with the type of treatment 

 and type of recreation (Mont. Fish, Wildl. and Parks 1994). 



Urban ^F/W///e~Opportunities for hunting would be extremely limited in and around urban and rural 

 residential areas imder any alternative. Limited opportunities for hunting would require restrictions 

 on weapon types. Urban and rural residential areas might serve as refuge for hunted species. This 

 could increase opportunity for viewing and other nonhunting recreational uses. Actions proposed 

 under this alternative that emphasize coexistence with wildlife and maintaining public safety would 

 increase opportunities for public enjoyment of wildlife on the urban interface. 



Issue: Access /Effects on Archaeological and Historical Resources 



Overall Access-VWP staff would be alert to possible discovery of historical or archaeological 

 resources on private land but would not become directly involved in historical resource management 

 on private land. Initial acquisition of land would not require a cultural resource survey. Subsequent 

 development would require a systematic site survey, and FWP would evaluate and protect sites as 

 required by law (22-3-424, MCA, and associated FWP Policy 12.8.501) under any alternative. 



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