en \kit;r 4: fnyironmentai, consi:quknces 



Wolf Numbers and Distribution . The statewide population is predicted to be 365-807 wolves (or 30-66 

 breeding pairs according to the federal recovery definition) in 2015. This is more than Alternative 2 

 (Updated Council). It is possible that there would be fewer wolves if the population grows more slowly 

 than predicted. This population would be secure and still allow adequate management flexibility for FWP 

 without worrying about whether the population would drop unexpectedly close to the relisting level due 

 to unforeseen events. Wolf distribution would be the .same as Alternative 2 (Updated Council). 



Wolf Habitat, Connectivity, and iMnd Management. Most environmental consequences are the same as 

 for Alternative 2 (Updated Council). As a result of increasing the adaptive management trigger to 20 

 breeding pair, the overall population would be larger and dispersal events should be more frequent. 

 Therefore connectivity among the wolf sub-populations in Canada, Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming should 

 be enhanced above Alternative 2 (Updated Council). 



Monitoring. Same as Alternative 2 (Updated Council). 



Prey Populations. Same as Alternative 2 (Updated Council). Prey populations are expected to fluctuate 

 through time as described previously. FWP would not change how ungulates are managed in response to 

 the added management authority for the gray wolf. However, under this alternative, more wolves would 

 be present in the population. Therefore, ungulate monitoring efforts would be increased over what was 

 described for Alternative 2. 



Other Wildlife. Same as Alternative 2 (Updated Council). 



Human Environment 



Social Factors. Same as Alternative 2 (Updated Council). But to address the social factors surrounding a 

 state wolf management program, FWP proposes to host an annual workshop and interagency coordination 

 meeting rather than appoint a "standing council." One annual event would be less expensive than 

 multiple meetings throughout the year, so FWP would realize a modest decrease in administrative costs. 

 FWP and other agencies or jurisdictions with overlapping interests could modify management strategies. 

 Communication would be improved between agencies and the public, and more Montanans could be 

 involved in crafting solutions to shortcomings of the program. Some administrative work would be 

 required to organize the meeting as well as to follow up on meeting outcomes and/or implementation. 



Public Outreach. Same as Alternative 2 (Updated Council). 



Human Safety. Same as Alternative 2 (Updated Council). 



Private Property. Same as Alternative 2 (Updated Council). 



Economics / Livelihoods 



Livestock Depredation. Most of the environmental consequences are the same as Alternative 2 (Updated 

 Council). Owing to the larger wolf population and the 1-2 year delay in implementing liberal 

 management tools, FWP predicts that both confirmed and probable livestock los.ses will be slightly higher 

 compared to Alternative 2 (Updated Council) but lower than Alternative 1 (No Action). Approximately 

 28-62 cattle and 32-71 sheep would be lost to confirmed wolf depredation in 2015. Another 17-38 cattle 

 and 3-6 sheep would be lost lo probable wolf depredation (Table 37). These numbers reficct the 

 a.ssumption thai liberal management tools would reduce the potential losses by 50%, compared to the 

 losses per wolf for Alternative I (No Action). Liberal tools may actually reduce the potential by more or 



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