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document is to describe the regulatory framework for wolf conservation and management in Montana, under the 

 direction of MFWP. This plan also describes the programmatic direction and a spcctnmi of management activities 

 that maintain viable wildlife populations, resolve wolf-human and wolf-livestock conflicts, and gain the support of 

 people with diverse interests. 



Goal of the Plan 



MFWP recognizes the gray wolf as a native species and is committed to maintaining a tri-state wolf population at 

 numbers sufficient to preclude reclassification as threatened or endangered under federal law. Montana will support 

 a proportionate number of wolf packs towards the northern Rockies recovery goal identified by the USFWS. An 

 equitable distribution of packs among the three states is consistent with the biological intent of the recovery plan, 

 will ensure a well-distributed and viable wolf population in the region, and will foster greater public acceptance of 

 wolves in Montana. MFWP intends to honor the diverse perspectives and interests of our citizens and the national 

 public. The State will consider the wide spectrum of interests in designing and implementing a balanced, responsive 

 program that recognizes the opportunities and addresses the challenges faced by people directly affected by wolves. 



Plan Development 



As the State of Montana prepares to assume authority for wolves, it was recognized that the people of Montana have 

 a significant stake in wolf -related issues, and they should be provided an opportunity to deliberate how wolves are 

 managed. To fulfill this public trust, former Governor Marc Racicot signed an Executive Order creating the 

 Montana Wolf Management Advisory Council (Council) in April 2000. The Council was compo.sed of 12 

 volunteers from around the state who represented a variety of interests including tribal, agriculture, hunting, and 

 wildlife conservation. They served voluntarily, at the request of the Governor. The Council was asked to advise 

 MFWP as it prepared to assume wolf management responsibilities and to consider input from Montana citizens and 

 other interested parties. The Council adopted the following as its Mission Statement: 



'To assist MFWP in developing an implementable plan that will maintain viable wolf populations and is socially 

 acceptable, biologically possible, and economically feasible." 



Using an "interest-based" process, the Council identified and deliberated issues related to: defense of life and human 

 safety, livestock depredation, compensation for livestock losses, management of prey populations, and wolf 

 conservation and management. An Interagency Technical Committee advised the Council, providing scientifically 

 based information about biological, technical, legal, or financial aspects of wolf management. The Council relied on 

 the Technical Committee as their primary source of factual information. The Technical Committee also helped the 

 Council identify and assess challenges associated with implementing overall management strategies or specific 

 management actions. It was comprised of wolf experts and resource managers from the National Park Service 

 (NPS), USFWS, U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Wildlife Services (WS), and MFWP. 



With assistance from MFWP, the Council prepared a report of its findings, which originated from their personal 

 experiences, interests represented by members, input from the public, and infomiation provided by the Interagency 

 Technical Committee. The Council arrived at their findings and recommendations by consensus. The Council's 

 Chairman and the MFWP Director presented the report to former-Governor Racicot just before he left office. Upon 

 taking office, newly elected Governor Martz was briefed of the Council's work. She directed MFWP to complete a 

 state wolf management plan, using the Council's deliberations and written report as the foundation. The report 

 consists of a Preamble, a Mission Statement, Guiding Principles, program goals, and general objectives. The 

 Council specifically deferred to the expertise and discretion of MFWP in some areas. The Montana Wolf 

 Management Advisory Council, Report to the Governor is included in this plan as Appendix 1 . 



HISTORY AND LEGAL STATUS OF WOLVES IN MONTANA 



History 



The gray wolf occupied most of the North American continent at the time of European settlement. Its range was 

 reduced dramatically and wolves were extirpated from the east coast to the Ohio Valley by the 1880s. Gray wolves 



