cnAi''ri;R 2: aifechj} knvironmiin r 



presence/absence, and data profiling of genetic material. Anecdotal information supplements formal 

 monitoring protocols, including depredation investigations by WS that document wolf activity in a new 

 area or the number of wolves in a pack. 



For the first five years after the gray wolf is delisted, FWP will be required to document that the wolf 

 population is secure within Montana. Periodic review of these data by FWP and similar agencies in 

 Idaho, Wyoming, and other cooperators, will be necessary to ensure that the tri-state population remains 

 above the northern Rockies recovery levels. FWP recognizes that beyond its legal requirement for 

 population monitoring, FWP will improve management of wolves and native prey by collecting 

 scientifically credible information. Radio collars deployed by USFWS may still be functioning when the 

 state assumes management authority. FWP expects to have some reliance on telemeti-y-based monitoring 

 protocols initially, but like USFWS, FWP could also investigate other, less expensive protocols or 

 definitions of what constitutes a pack. For instance, unpublished USFWS data indicate that there is a 

 strong conelation between the number of breeding pairs meeting the federal recovery definition and the 

 number of "social groups" of wolves, if social group is defined to mean four or more wolves traveling in 

 winter. The monitoring intensity and expense required to monitor social groups would likely be less than 

 the intensity of monitoring the number of breeding pairs, yet the reliability and accuracy of the data may 

 be adequate. USFWS and FWP are currently exploring these relationships. 



Private Property 



FWP has authority to manage wildlife over approximately 88.3 million acres, or roughly 93% of the state 

 (excludes national parks and reservations). Approximately 58.4 million acres of the total is privately 

 owned, hosting a significant wildlife resource which, itself, is "publicly" owned. Much of that land is 

 used for agricultural purposes (crops or livestock grazing). The earliest European settlers brought 

 farming traditions and livestock with them. Montanans have been raising livestock for more than four 

 generations. Agricultural heritage is woven through Montana's cultural fabric, just like the heritage of 

 wildlife conservation. The rural characteristics of one affirm the other. 



Farming and ranching maintains open space that is also habitat for a diversity of wildlife species, 

 including wolves. Maintaining the land base for agriculture and wildlife habitat is an increasing 

 challenge, given broader trends in resource and agricultural economics, human population demographics, 

 and development of the "New West" (Riebsame 1997). There are secondary benefits to a vigorous 

 agricultural industry, including sustained economic activity in small rural communities, decreased rates of 

 land conversion for subdivision and development, and maintenance of rural lifestyles. 



Most Montana landowners are interested in, proud of, and enjoy the wildlife associated with their 

 properties, even while acknowledging the challenges posed by wildlife and the occasional conflicts. 

 Some landowners are deferential to wildlife and have a high degree of tolerance for conflict, even 

 promoting wildlife habitat and wildlife use of their lands. In some cases, wolves in particular are 

 welcomed. But history has demonstrated that wolf presence can create problems for landowners trying to 

 raise livestock. Financial losses may result directly from wolf depredation. Indirect costs may 

 accumulate because of increased management activities or changes to agricultural operations. These 

 financial hardships accrue to individual farmers and ranchers and may be significant to them. What 

 makes wolf-livestock conflicts unique from other wildlife-livestock conflicts are the changes in the legal 

 status of wolves through time. Historically, farmers and ranchers had the latitude to take care of problem 

 wolves themselves. Since 1973, wolves have been legally protected by ESA and state law. Livestock 

 owners have had limited flexibility to protect their private property. 



59 



