( HAI'TER I: PIJKPOSE AND SKBI) |{)R ACTION 



8. Comments suggesting that the real issue was "people management. " Wolves should be allowed to 

 increase in number and distribution and that human presence or uses of the landscape should be 

 subordinated to wolf use. 



This issue was not considered in further detail because FWP recognizes people as an important part of 

 the wolf conservation equation. FWP seeks to integrate a wolf conservation and management 

 program within an existing complex environment of people, other wildlife, landownership patterns, 

 land uses, etc. - thereby balancing the needs of wolves and people. 



9. Comments concerning commercial outfitting on federal public lands and the difficulty in changing 

 "use days " or the areas where an outfitter is allowed to go, as wolves become established in new 

 areas. 



The regulation of commercial uses of federal public lands is carried out by the respective federal land 

 management agency. FWP does not have any statutory authority in these matters. FWP provides 

 opportunities and welcomes input from outfitters, federal land managers, and the general public on 

 hunting season regulations and other programs related to big game management and ungulate 

 population abundance. 



10. Comments expressing concern about the potential for legal challenges to either state or federal 

 actions related to the delisting of the gray wolf in the northern Rockies or the implementation of 

 Montana 's program. 



Interstate coordination is ongoing among Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming officials, with the common 

 goal of a timely, efficient, and successful delisting of the gray wolf in the northern Rockies. In an 

 advisory capacity, USFWS works closely with the states to ensure that each state meets the legal and 

 scientific standards to ensure a smooth and timely transition. FWP is aware of the potential for legal 

 challenges to either the federal proposal to delist, the preparation or adequacy of this EIS under 

 Montana law, implementation of Montana's program or even specific elements of the program. The 

 risk of potential litigation does not out weigh the benefits and responsibility of preparing to assume 

 management authority upon delisting. This EIS is a necessary step to regain management authority, 

 regardless of the potential for litigation in the future. 



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