

P.O. Box 200701 



Helena, MT 59620-0701 



(406)444-3186 



FAX: 406-444-4952 



Ref: DOO 127-03 



March 10, 2003 



Dear Interested Party: 



This draft environmental impact statement (EIS) has been prepared by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. The 

 EIS describes five alternative approaches to conserve and manage Montana's recovered gray wolf 

 population. It also evaluates the expected environmental consequences of each alternative. 



In anticipation of the wolf's recovery, former Gov. Marc Racicot appointed the 12-member Wolf 

 Management Advisory Council to consider a wolf management approach for Montana to follow once the 

 wolf is delisted. After months of public deliberations over a wide range of issues, the council submitted its 

 findings to Gov. Judy Martz in 2001. This draft EIS was prepared in response to the council's 

 recommendations and is in part based on the group's suggested approach to wolf management in Montana. 

 On behalf of the people of Montana, FWP once again thanks the members of the Wolf Management 

 Advisory Council for their commitment to this important wildlife conservation and management effort. 



FWP looks forward to hearing from you about this important issue. You can send your written comments to 

 Wolf Issues, FWP, 490 N. Meridian Rd., Kalispell, MT 59901 . You can comment on-line by visiting FWP's 

 website at www.fwp.state.mt.us . Click on "Montana Wolf Management" in the Hot Topics box and then 

 click on the "Comments" link. We also look forward to working with you at one of the following 

 connmunity work sessions. 



March 27: Billings 

 April 1: Glasgow 

 April 3: Avon 



April 8: Missoula 

 April 14: Bozeman 

 April 15: Gardiner 



April 16: Dillon 

 April 16: Butte 

 April 17: Ennis 



April 21 : Great Falls 



April 23: Kalispell, Whitefish 



April 24: Rexford 



Additional information may be obtained from our website www.fwp.state.mt.us or by contacting Carolyn 

 Sime at 406-751-4586. The public comment period will close May 12, 2003. 



Sincerely, 



M. Jeff Hagener 

 Director 



