INTRODUCTION 



The objectives of Montana's nongame and endangered species program are to: 



1) maintain optimum population levels of nongame wildlife for human enjoy- 

 ment, for scientific purposes, and to ensure their perpetuation as 

 members of ecosystems; and 



2) protect, maintain, and if possible enhance numbers of those species of 

 wildlife indigenous to this state that may be found to be endangered 

 within the state. 



Four basic procedures are used to meet the requirements of these objectives; 



1) Determine those species of nongame wildlife which are in need of 

 management, define needs, and implement appropriate actions; 



2) Promote public understanding and appreciation of nongame and 

 endangered species and their ecological role; 



3) Participate in recovery planning and plan implementation for 

 endangered species; and 



4) Acquire, protect, or enhance key habitats essential to the welfare 

 of certain nongame and endangered species- 



A detailed discussion pertinent to implementation of these procedures has 

 been presented elsewhere (Anon. 1975 and Flath 1977c). A brief description 

 of the basic program was provided by Flath (1975a). 



Though wildlife managers have typically recognized the value of all forms 

 of wildlife, the concept of management activities aimed specifically at 

 nongame species received little attention prior to 1973. Most benefits 

 to nongame species came about as side effects of management actions intended 

 to benefit popular game species. For example, a water management plan 

 might be implemented on a marsh area for the purpose of increasing duck 

 production with a resultant increase in use of the area by shorebirds, 

 passerines, and other nongame wildlife. 



In 1972, a model state law for conservation of nongame and endangered 

 species was prepared by the International Association of Game, Fish and 

 Conservation Commissioners and The Wildlife Society. Copies were printed 

 and distributed to all 50 states in August of that year by the Winchester- 

 Western Division, Olin, Inc. (Anon. 1972). The 1973 Montana Legislature 

 passed the model act with some modifications, including deletion of a 

 funding provision. The Montana Department of Fish and Game was named 

 as the state agency responsible for this program. 



Montana's nongame and endangered species program was staffed with one 

 biologist in June, 1974. A summer field technician was added to the 

 program in 1977. In addition, many persons have contributed to the 

 accumulation of biological data through volunteer services. Most 

 notable are personnel of the Montana Department of Fish and Game and 

 members of the National Audubon Society. 



