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Alternative 2. Updated Council, FWP's Preferred Alternative 



For comparison, the environmental consequences of this and the other alternatives are presented in a 

 summary at the end of this chapter (Table 43). 



Biological Environment 



Wolf Management. FWP would implement an adaptive approach to manage wolves in Montana. The 

 adaptive management trigger that would allow FWP to move from conservative to liberal management 

 tools and vice versa is 15 breeding pairs (federal recovery definition). If the wolf population increases at 

 the low rate, liberal management tools could be implemented starting in 2006. If the population grew at 

 the higher rate, liberal management tools could be implemented in 2004. It is possible that the adaptive 

 management trigger would be reached before 2004 or 2006, depending on how fast the population 

 actually grows. Wolf numbers and pack sizes would be managed proactively to meet the needs of wolves 

 and people. Most importantly, wolf management would be integrated into the larger wildlife program and 

 managed in an ecological context similar to other large carnivores. Conservation and management 

 measures of this alternative would secure the wolf population into the future. 



To that end, some packs, such as those occurring in mixed landownership patterns interspersed with 

 livestock, will require more management attention. Other packs, such as those in remote public land 

 areas, would require less attention. Resolution of conflicts would be incremental, depending on where the 

 territory is located and the degree, frequency, and types of conflicts that occur with livestock, people, or 

 prey. 



Wolves would be managed as a "species in need of management" which grants full legal protection from 

 indiscriminant human-caused mortality. However, wolves could still be harassed, injured, or killed 

 through agency control actions and by private landowners or livestock owners under certain permitted 

 conditions. When the number of breeding pairs exceeds 15 and it becomes biologically sustainable to do 

 so, FWP would introduce regulated harvest as a proactive management tool to adjust wolf numbers and 

 distribution in relation to their local environment. 



Wolf Numbers and Distribution. Approximately 328-657 wolves (or 27-54 breeding pairs according to 

 the federal recovery definition) would be present in Montana in 2015. This is fewer than Alternative 1 

 (No Action). FWP expects the population to be near the lower end of the range. It is possible that the 

 number would be less than 328 if the population grows more slowly than predicted. Wolf numbers will 

 fluctuate because of management actions, changes in prey density and distribution, disease, and 

 intraspecific competition. Wolf numbers will not be administratively capped, but will be managed 

 adaptively in keeping with solid principles of wildlife management and the factors affecting social 

 tolerance. This population would be secure and still allow fiexibility for FWP, without worrying about 

 whether the population would drop unexpectedly close to the relisting level due to unforeseen events. 



Wolf distribution will increase as individual wolves disperse from core areas and colonize new habitats 

 with sufficient prey. Wolves will probably be distributed primarily in western, west central, and south 

 central Montana, although wolves could also expand their distribution into eastern Montana in the 

 ab.sence of significant social confiicts, much as mountain lions did over the last 20 years. For example, 

 wolves could become established in island mountain ranges, such as the Big and Little Snowies or even 

 farther east if there is an adequate prey base and little social conflict. Wolf densities would be lower 

 because prey densities are typically lower. Ultimately, the complex biological and .social environment, 

 rather than administrative zones, would guide distribution. Wolves would be encouraged on remote 

 public lands and integrated into mixed land ownerships. Wolves would be allowed on FWP WMAs. 



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