UKVI'l F.IS AWENIMX I 



INTRODUCTION 



The State of Montana recognizes the gray wolf as a native species and we are committed to recovery of the species 

 within our borders. We will ensure that wolf population is maintained at numbers sufficient to preclude 

 reclassification as "threatened or endangered" under federal law in the three-state area of Montana, Idaho, and 

 Wyoming. TTie state intends to implement positive management programs to make sure that recovery is complete 

 and wolves are integrated as a valuable part of out wildlife heritage. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is already 

 engaged in activities which promote wolf recovery through its efforts on ungulate population monitoring, research, 

 and management, through the acquisition and designation of Wildlife Management Areas, purchase of conservation 

 easements, and other efforts to preserve and restore wildhfc habitats. 



Gray wolves {Canis lupus) are thriving and expanding in number and distribution in Montana. This is becau.se of 

 natural emigration from Canada and a successful federal effort that reintroduced wolves into Yellowstone National 

 Park ( YNP) and the wilderness areas of central Idaho. There are probably more wild wolves in Montana now than 

 at any time in the last 70 years. Since 1973, the U.S. Fish and WildUfe Service (USFWS) has managed wolves as an 

 endangered species in Montana, under the authority of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Wolves are likely to be 

 removed ft'om the endangered species list within 3-5 years. 



Upon delisting, management authority for wolves will return to the state governments where wolves reside. 

 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MFWP) is the resource agency charged under state statute with the responsibility 

 to manage resident wildlife, including wolves. Beyond the legal commitments, MI^P recognizes and accepts the 

 challenges, responsibilities, and benefits of restoring wolves as an important part of Montana's wildlife heritage. 

 Managing gray wolves will not be easy, but wolf restoration is fundamentally consistent with Montana's history of 

 wildlife conservation. The State of Montana will make a long-term funding commitment to the conservation of 

 wolves, commensurate with existing programs for other managed carnivores. MfWP will commit state wildlife 

 funds, matching federal monies, and other agency resources, but existing financial resources will not be adequate. 

 Supplemental funding will be sought from public/private foundations, other private sources, and special federal or 

 state appropriations. 



As a state, we are collectively walking down an untravelled and difficuh path in resource management. This 

 document is a critical step in the process of Montana regaining management responsibility for wolves after a 28-year 

 period of federal management. This document must not only assure the long-term persistence of wolves, it must 

 also address the challenges of having wolves in Montana after such a long absence. It is unlikely that the state could 

 assume management authority if this wolf management plan falls short. Fortunately, Montanans have a long 

 tradition of rising to challenges and expressing interest and support for wildlife in our state. In fact, much of this 

 Plan is based on the comments and recommendations of a 1 2-member citizens group, the Montana Wolf 

 Management Advisory Council. An Interagency Technical Committee assisted the Council during their 

 deliberations. 



We understand that the long-term persistence of wolves in Montana depends on carefully balancing the complex 

 biological, social, economic, and political aspects of wolf management. No single interest can dominate 

 management direction. As we have before, we will rely on the best available information, use good judgment, and 

 listen closely to people who care about Montana's resources and our lifestyle, now and into the future. The long- 

 term persistence of wolves will also depend on securing adequate funding from a diversity of sources to fully 

 implement conservation and management strategies. 



Purpose of This Document 



Before the gray wolf can be removed from the endangered species list, the USFWS must evaluate all the potential 

 threats to wolves when the protections of ESA are removed and management responsibility is returned to the states. 

 Among the requirements for delisting, the USFWS determined that the states of Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming 

 must have management plans and other adequate regulatory mechanisms in place to ensure that the recovered wolf 

 population will remain secure. 



State management plans are the primary mechanism by which the USFWS can assess future threats to wolves in the 

 northern Rockies and determine whether a well-distributed, viable population will be sustained. The purpose of this 



