DRAn KIS ,\1>1'KM>IX I 



ensure that differeni groups do not put out conflicting information that could erode public understanding and 

 acceptance of the wolf management program. 



The audience of the education program will include (but not be limited to) the general public, students, visitors to 

 the state, sportspersons and outdoor rccrcationists. the agricultural community, and agency personnel. While the 

 specific emphasis may differ by audience, it is important to convey some basic information to everyone, such as 

 wolf numbers and distribution in Montana, identification and ecology of the species, and guidelines for ethical 

 viewing. The values and challenges of wolf conservation and management will also be conveyed. Delivery of 

 educational infomiation will also target specific audiences. For example, hunting and trapping regulations may 

 emphasize wolf vs. coyote identification more strongly than educational materials intended for elementary school 

 students. 



The MFWP Conservation Education Division has the primary responsibility to develop a public 

 outreach/educational plan for Montana (Appendix 8). Informally, personnel from all MFWP Divisions will 

 disseminate information to the public on a routine basis, much as they already do for all fish and wildlife species in 

 Montana. However, the tremendous need for public outreach on such a controversial species requires that MFWP 

 create partnerships with the private sector to help us meet those needs. 



It will be important to identify the most efficient ways to reach various audiences, which means gaining an improved 

 understanding of where they get their information. For example, in the mid 1980's, rural residents along the west 

 boundary of GNP and the general hunting population of Flathead County got their information about wolves from 

 different sources (Tucker and Pletscher 1989). Dispersed rural residents relied on people (neighbors or biologists) 

 more than on printed media. In contrast, the hunting population used newspapers, books, and magazines as their 

 primary information sources. Furthermore, the hunter sample did not regularly attend public meetings and already 

 had strong opinions about wolves. For mountain lions, a combination of mass media and agency communications is 

 required for developing general public knowledge and acceptance (Riley and Decker 2000). Given the broad 

 spectrum of interests with a stake in wolf conservation and management, the education program will utilize a broad 

 spectrum of methods and outlets to adequately fulfill this fundamental component of Montana's wolf plan. 



Implementation 



Appendix 8 describes the Public Information Plan. Some of the activities fall within existing duties and 

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

 workloads. Additional resources will be required to implement these new responsibilities. A draft budget is 

 presented as Appendix 3. The budget outlines the personnel and financial resources necessary to fulfill the public 

 outreach and educational needs outlined in this Chapter. Getting information out to the public is an important 

 function that is inherent in many of the management activities described in this plan. The budget truly reflects the 

 comprehensive nature of designing and implementing a wolf conservation and management program. While this 

 budget represents our best projection of the resources required, we cannot assess its accuracy until MFWP actually 

 assumes management authority and begins implementation. Some components of the wolf program may not be 

 captured fully by this draft budget. There may also be costs that could not be predicted at this time or were 

 unforeseen. This budget will be refined in the future as MFWP gains more experience with wolf management. 

 MFWP will pursue all possible funding sources including, but not limited to public/private foundations, federal or 

 state appropriations, and other private sources. Adequate funding will be necessary to fully implement the wolf 

 conservation and management provisions of this Chapter. 



PLAN MONITORING AND EVALUATION 



Upon delisting and with adequate funding secured. MFWP will implement the Wolf Conservation and Management 

 Plan. This plan will guide MFWP managers and others responsible for the planning and policy decisions that affect 

 wolf management in Montana. It will also guide decision-making at the field level. MFWP personnel will use this 

 plan to prioritize field activities, manage time/budgets, formulate wolf management recommendations, and 

 coordinate with personnel of other state and federal agencies. Personnel of other state or federal agencies will also 

 use this plan as a .source of information and guidance. 



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