I)R,\l'r ElS APHKNDIX 1 



corrective actions to MFWP We would take the necessary corrective measures to avoid a relisting of the gray wolf 

 under ESA. MFWP will undertake its own thorough, formal review after the first five years. Cooperating state and 

 federal agencies will also participate. Findings of the review will be incorporated. The wolf management program 

 will be subsequently reviewed at least every five years. A more frequent review is provided for within the adaptive 

 management model. By definition, the model incorporates monitoring and evaluation components as an ongoing 

 effort within the management program. Management is thus refined and improved through time as information and 

 experience accumulate. 



Equally important components of any wolf management program are the social factors that shape public tolerance 

 for wolves and their satisfaction with how conflicts are resolved. MFWP anticipates that the public will readily 

 identify real or perceived problems or shortcomings of the program. The challenge for MFWP will be to discern 

 between earnest differences of opinion in preferred management direction and substantive shortcomings. Wolf 

 management in Montana will take place within a complex biological, social, economic, and political environment. 

 Difficult decisions will have to be made and will sometimes be called into question by various interests. However, 

 the ensuing public dialogue will also help evaluate the program and lead to revisions. The Wolf Management 

 Advisory Council recommended that the State of Montana continue to engage a diverse advisory citizen's group to 

 collaborate on the management of wolves. 



We are committed to using MFWP funds and matching federal funds to conserve and manage this native species on 

 equal standing with other carnivore species. We also acknowledge that existing financial resources are not adequate 

 to fully implement all aspects of this plan. Some of the activities described in this plan fall within existing duties 

 and responsibilities already carried out by MFWP or WS, but some activities clearly add to existing responsibilities 

 and workloads. Additional funding will be required to implement wolf management (and related activities) and 

 compensation. While the monies and administrative procedures to fulfill these parallel functions may or may not 

 originate from the same source, adequate funds for each element are necessary. We will seek additional funding 

 from a diversity of sources, including special state or federal appropriations, private foundations, or other private 

 sources. 



The personnel and financial resources necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of wildlife conservation and 

 management, law enforcement, assurance of human safety, public outreach, resolution of wolf-livestock conflicts, 

 compensation, and program administration is an estimated $765,296 annually. The budget truly reflects the 

 comprehensive nature of designing and implementing a wolf program in the broadest sense of the word. 



The Governors of Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming are pursuing a program called the Northern Rocky Mountain 

 Grizzly Bear and Gray Wolf National Management Trust. The Trust identifies, supports, and funds initiatives which 

 address grizzly and gray wolf management, monitoring, other conservation needs, habitat protection, scientific 

 research, conflict resolution, compensation for damage, and education/public outreach activities. The Trust 

 prospectus will be forwarded to the respective Congressional delegations. In light of local funding shortfalls, we 

 hope that the tri-state Congressional delegation will recognize the need for secure, long term funding to address the 

 unique challenges associated with the conservation and management of these species of significant national interest. 

 Another potential source of long-term funding is the Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA). Title 111 would 

 provide annual appropriations to the states specifically for fish and wildlife programs, outdoor recreation, and 

 conservation education. These funds arc intended to fulfill a need for funding of less traditional management 

 programs for species that are typically not hunted or fished. MFWP could use these funds for most elements of the 

 wolf program but not for compensation. Both potential funding mechanisms are stable, long-term sources of 

 funding and engage the national interests that desire to see wild, free-roaming wolves in the northern Rockies. 

 While MFWP also recognizes the value of having free-roaming wolves in the northern Rockies, we also seeking 

 financial assistance to conserve and manage the species in a complex setting. Finding the balance without adequate 

 funding will be challenging. 



