FWP Chief Says Montana is ready to Manage Grizzlies

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Director Christy Clark says the state is ready to take over more specific management of grizzly bear populations in the Northern Rockies, as federal officials attempt to shift that operational responsibility to the states, while still keeping the bears on the Endangered Species List.

During a press conference in Gallatin County yesterday, Interior Secretary Doug Bergham said the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing a rule change that would grant Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks direct authority over bears in areas where populations are thriving, such as the Northern Continental Divide and Greater Yellowstone ecosystems. While the bears will remain federally protected under the Endangered Species Act, this new framework gives the state much more flexibility to manage the growing number of conflicts between bears, agricultural operations, and local residents.

     It doesn't include hunting as a management tool.

Following the announcement, Clark released a statement saying, FWP's 'decades of on-the-ground experience' means Montana is, quote, 'ready to take over management of grizzly bears." She adds the state would use the best available sciencec and the working relationships it already has with ranchers, outdoor users and committees to balance ongoing conservation with community safety.

"So today we celebrate," Clark said in a recorded statement. "We've gotten to the recovery finish line, but tomorrow we get back to work, and we will maintain the status of this grizzly bear in a recovered status with the same commitment, the same respect, and the same grit. So, let's turn that page. Let's start that chapter."

However, wildlife and conservation groups attacked the idea immediately, raising the specter of more legal fights. They have continually argued that the state can't be trusted to manage the grizzlies.

RELATED: Drone Use Near Grizzlies Upsetting Watchers

a plane flying over a forest filled with lots of trees

Bitterroot road rule overturned

As we’ve previously reported, the legal fight over road construction in the Bitterroot National Forest has reached a major turning point.

This week, Judge Christensen issued a final order striking down the road density provisions of the Forest Service's Amendment 40. The decision effectively restores previous, stricter limits on road building in the area.

The court found that federal agencies failed to adequately evaluate how new roads and increased motorized use would impact the habitats of threatened species, specifically grizzly bears and bull trout.

Earthjustice, the legal team representing conservation groups in the suit, praised the ruling. Attorney Maxine Sugarman says the decision gives these iconic species a fighting chance for survival, preventing any harmful new road construction in the Bitterroot in the immediate future.

More hoot owl fishing ordered

Warming waters in southwest Montana are prompting state wildlife officials to expand fishing restrictions and shut down one section of the river completely.

Starting today, the Madison River from the Ennis Reservoir dam down to the NorthWestern Energy powerhouse is closed to all fishing. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks says warm reservoir outflows are preventing nighttime cooling in that stretch, putting trout at severe risk.

Also taking effect today are new "hoot-owl" restrictions on several major waterways, including the entire East Gallatin and Jefferson rivers, plus portions of the Big Hole, Gallatin, lower Madison, and Ruby rivers. Under these rules, fishing is prohibited from 2 p.m. until midnight to reduce stress on fish during the hottest part of the day.

      A full map of current closures is available on the Montana FWP website.