Public comment period extended for Montana grizzly bear management plan

If you are interested in reviewing Montana’s draft grizzly bear management plan and environmental impact statement (EIS), you have a bit more time to do so. The public comment period has been extended until Feb. 4.

“We know the holidays are a busy time for people and their families,” said Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MFWP) Director Hank Worsech. “We want to make sure people have a chance to share their best ideas with us and so extending the comment period by 30 days will allow for that.”

The draft plan and EIS will serve as a guide to long-term management and conservation of grizzly bears across the state, according to a press release. MFWP used existing bear plans and conservation strategies, the federal recovery plan and work conducted by the Grizzly Bear Advisory Council to draft it. 

If approved, this new plan will become the new statewide plan that allows for the “long-term viability of grizzly bears while prioritizing human safety.” Specifically, the plan replaces two existing plans – one for western Montana and one for southwest Montana – and “addresses how bears will be managed outside of federal recovery zones” and help guide state management. 

Add your comments here

Once the comment period ends, MFWP will review and make adjustments to the plan and EIS as they see fit and present the plan to the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission for review and approval.