OR.A.I'TKISAl'n.M'iv I 



WOLF CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT 



Introduction 



Montana's wildlife legacy includes a rich diversity of species. Throughout its 100-year history, MFWP has actively 

 restored, perpetuated, and managed the fish and wildlife resources of the state. Some activities promoted wolf 

 recovery, such as careful ungulate population management, research, and monitoring, the acquisition of Wildlife 

 Management Areas { WMAs), purchase of conservation easements, and other efforts to preserve and restore wildlife 

 habitats. 



In keeping with the stewardship principles extended to other species, MFWP will conserve and manage wolves in 

 concert with the rest of our wildlife heritage. These stewardship principles embody the ideals of conservation, 

 implying the long-term persistence of wolves. Active management will also be required to address conflicts 

 between wolves, people, livestock, and other wildlife species. Conservation and management are not mutually 

 exclusive concepts. When taken together, our direction is to integrate and sustain wolves in suitable habitats within 

 the complex biological, social, and economic landscapes using a variety of management tools. MFWP is committed 

 to achieving this balance. In conjunction with our neighbors, Idalio and Wyoming, we will sustain wolf populations 

 at secure levels which prevent reclassification under ESA. 



In taking a balanced approach between conservation and management, MFWP will bring the gray wolf into the 

 existing management framework, programs, and policies for other carnivores, such as mountain lions and black or 

 grizzly bears. Even though black and grizzly bears are omnivorous, for the purposes of this plan, they are 

 functionally included in the carnivore group with lions and wolves because of their predator)' capabilities. Although 

 each of these species is biologically unique, there are common threads to how they are managed. Elements of the 

 gray wolf program will also overlap other existing programs, such as ungulate management and research, habitat, 

 public outreach, law enforcement, and private landowner relations. A successful conservation and management 

 program for wolves ultimately depends on people and their attitudes. An information and education program is 

 discussed in a separate chapter. 



Adaptive Management 



MFWP's wolf program will be based on principles of adaptive management. Adaptive resource management 

 provides a framework and a process for decision-making, which aligns management objectives and constraints, even 

 when the outcome is uncertain. Decisions are based on current and future status of the resources. Through time, 

 experience and knowledge accumulate. Research and management arc conducted simultaneously in a coordinated 

 fashion that improves management (Lancia et al. 1996). 



An adaptive management program has 4 components: objectives, management alternatives, predicted outcomes of 

 management activities (models), and a monitoring program. Initially, objectives are established. Next, a 

 management alternative is selected from a range of liberal to conservative strategies and implemented. The 

 monitoring program measures the outcomes and detects any changes. Measured outcomes are compared to the 

 predicted outcomes, and the model is refined lo more closely match what actually hapf>ened. Then, another 

 management alternative is selected and implemented. Management actions change through time based on current 

 resource status and how that compares with the original objectives. 



Wolf Population Objectives 



Montana shares a legal requirement with the states of Idaho and Wyoming to maintain a minimum total of 30 

 breeding pairs in the region. If each stale were to sustain an equal number or ten pairs each, the biological intent of 

 the recovery plan would be met — so long as wolves were well distributed across the region. Based on ten years of 

 experience in northwest Montana, not all packs are successful each and every year, 14-17 packs would be needed to 

 achieve the minimum number of 10 breeding pairs with at least two pups on December 31 (USFWS unpubl. data). 

 Montana will maintain at least 14-17 packs statewide. (Jiven an average pack size of 5-7 members, between 70 and 

 1 19 wolves would be present in Montana, at the minimum. Montana habitats have the potential to support more 

 than 17 packs, and there will be no administrative limit imposed on total pack numbers. MFWP does not 

 administratively declare an upper limit or maxiniuni nunihcr of individuals of any wildlife species in the state in the 



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