PLAN FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF BROWN BEAR 19 



question. On the basis of the available knowledge it is conservatively 

 estimated that in a population of 900 animals the net increase after 

 all losses are taken into consideration should be at least 100. 



In view of a number of assumptions that had to be made in esti- 

 mating the net increase, based on the surviving cub crop, and in 

 order to operate on the side of safety, the allowable yearly kill at 

 the beginning of the management plan is placed at 35 animals. . 



The allowable kill is subject to increase or reduction from time 

 to time, changes being dependent especially on the availability of 

 better scientific data on the life history of the bears, and an in- 

 creased knowledge of the local situation affecting the animals. In 

 addition to holding the existing bear population intact, the regula- 

 tion of the kill may be used as a means of increasing the population, 

 if experience gained in the coordinated management of the various 

 resources of the island shows that an increase is possible and 

 advisable. 



RESPONSIBILITY AND FUNCTIONS OF COOPERATING OFFICIALS 



The carrying out of the provisions of this working plan will be a 

 joint project of the Alaska Game Commission and the Alaska Kegion 

 of the Forest Service. The Bureau of Biological Survey will co- 

 operate so far as is possible in scientific studies of game problems 

 that cannot be handled by the commission alone or with the assist- 

 ance of the Forest Service. 



The Alaska Game Commission will be responsible for making field 

 studies on the island to obtain information as a basis for maintain- 

 ing the desired bear population; for ascertaining the number of 

 animals taken yearly; for the establishment of desirable regulations 

 relative to the taking of bears, including length of hunting season, 

 bag limits, methods of taking game, seasonal closing of portions of 

 the island to hunting when deemed advisable, and such other matters 

 as refer solely to game regulations. The regional forester will be 

 offered opportunity to present his views to the commission on any 

 proposed change in the game regulations. 



The commission will be primarily responsible for affording pro- 

 tection against violations of the hunting regulations, and substantial 

 cooperation in the field will be furnished by the Forest Service. 



The Biological Survey will make such game studies as it may find 

 desirable. 



The commission will take the lead in seeking cooperation from 

 Federal and Territorial agencies, game-protective organizations, and 

 the local public for bear protection on the island. 



As administrator of national-forest lands and their resources, the 

 Forest Service will have the responsibility of coordinating the use of 

 game with that of all other resources, commercial and recreational. 

 In projects and plans involving use of land and resources, the Forest 

 Service will give careful consideration to the possible effect on the 

 bears and will make such adjustments as may be deemed necessary. 

 The commission is free at all times to present its views to the Forest 

 Service on any feature of administration of the land and its resources 

 that affect the bear resource. 



Semipermanent closed areas will be established and vacated by the 

 commission with the approval of the Forest Service, with the excep- 



