CMAITER 4: ENVIR(>NMKN'I.\1. (ONSBQJiENCEKS 



In a cumulative sense, wolf conservation and management in Montana will become increasing 

 controversial because, given the lack of an adaptive approach, not all interests and needs would met in a 

 balanced, responsive way. By managing wolves as close to a legally-defined predator as possible, FWP 

 would ignore a segment of the public that is either supportive or neutral towards wolf presence in 

 Montana and the idea thai the gray wolf could be integrated in a modern wildlife program and managed 

 similar to black bears or mountain lions. 



Table 40. Implementation budget for Alternative 4 (Minimum WolO- Asterisk denotes a change from the 

 budget for Alternative 2 (Updated Council). 



Mitigation 



One of the most significant impacts of this alternative is the risk that the wolf population in Montana 

 would decline to the extent that the tri-state population is in jeopardy and would require renewed 

 protection under ESA. Relisting the northern Rockies population prior to that happening could mitigate 

 the risk so that wolves would be fully protected by federal law, which is more restrictive than the 

 proposed state management program and Montana law. USFWS may consult with FWP to adjust the 



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