Montanans urged to comment on proposed grizzly bear management changes before Aug. 17 deadline
The 62-page proposal would shift more bear management authority to states as supporters and critics press Montanans to comment before the Aug. 17 deadline.
- A 30-day public comment period is open on a federal proposal granting states greater grizzly bear management authority, with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Director Christy Clark urging public participation before the Aug. 17 deadline.
- Grizzlies were listed as a threatened species in 195 under the Endangered Species Act, but populations have risen to an estimated 2,000 bears, prompting the shift toward state-led management strategies.
- Rancher Trina Jo Bradley said the proposal "makes life easier for ranchers because then they can respond quicker," while Montana Wildlife Federation Executive Director Frank Szollosi stressed "crystal clear accounting" if agencies euthanize problem bears.
- Separately, FWP is seeking public comment on the proposed 99-year Hannah Ranch Conservation Easement, a project five years in the making that would secure public hunting access on over 3,500 acres.
- FWP Region 4 Supervisor Jason Rhoten stated the $3.5 million easement provides access to USFS land in the Big Snowy Mountains, with comments due by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28.
12 Articles
12 Articles
99 years of improved public access: FWP looks for comment on proposed Conservation Easement
Over 3,500 acres of land on the west end of the Big Snowy Mountains could become the latest Fergus County conservation easement, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. FWP is seeking public comment on the proposal, and the deadline…
An Official Journal Of The NRA | Will Grizzly Bear Management be Returned to the States?
When the grizzly bear in the Lower 48 was given Endangered Species Act (ESA) protection as a threatened species in 1975, it was supposed to be a temporary protection that would be lifted once populations met or exceeded specific goals. Now more than a half century later and with grizzly populations that have spread and met or far surpassed the goals set in 1975.
Le·gal In·sur·rec·tion
ussanews.comInterior Dept. Proposes Expanding State Authority Over Grizzly Bear Management
While grizzlies remain listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act, this could set the stage for future efforts to fully delist some populations.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 83% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
