Montana FWP Seeks Comment On Fish And Wildlife Action Plan

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking comment on an update to the state's comprehensive conservation plan for more than 100 of the state's fish and wildlife species and their habitats.

Initially completed in 2006, the recent revision of Montana's Comprehensive Fish and Wildlife Conservation Strategy was led by FWP, working closely with team members from other state and federal agencies and non-governmental organizations.

"The team's planning efforts included regular public updates and participation opportunities. Public input continues to be an important part of wrapping up Montana's State Wildlife Action Plan for the next 10 year-cycle," said Deb O'Neill, FWP's fish and wildlife plan coordinator in Helena.

In 2000, federal legislation created the State Wildlife Grant program intended to fund conservation programs for all fish and wildlife, including species not pursued by hunters and anglers. Montana has since been awarded $12.7 million in SWG funds for conservation programs ranging from prairie fish surveys and loon research to trumpeter swan and grizzly bear conservation.

To continue to participate in the federal grant program states must revise their plans every 10 years.

"Montana's update contains the latest and best information available on the status of species and habitats in the greatest need of conservation, which will help to better direct Montana's conservation and management efforts through 2024," O'Neill said.

Comments on the State Wildlife Action Plan are due February 9th by 5 p.m. For more information and to comment, click here.



Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park

Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission Seeks Comment on Wolf Rule

The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission is seeking comment on proposed amendments to rules that provide for landowners or their agents without a hunting license to take a wolf that is a potential threat to human safety, livestock or pets.

The proposed rule amendments would provide a means to carry out a new state law while ensuring the lawful take and reporting is formally defined and authorized. Proposed amendments also reflect various updates and clarifications identified since the wolf was delisted.

Public hearings to discuss the rule are scheduled to start at 6 p.m. on the following dates:

• Dec. 2 Bozeman FWP Region 3 HQ; 1400 S. 19th St.
• Dec. 3 Great Falls FWP Region 4 HQ–via video–4600 Giant Springs Rd.
• Dec. 3 Billings FWP Region 5 HQ–via video–2300 Lake Elmo Dr.
• Dec. 3 Helena FWP HQ; 1420 E. 6th Ave.
• Dec. 4 Kalispell 490 N. Meridian Rd.
• Dec. 9 Missoula 3201 Spurgin Rd.
• Dec. 10 Glasgow FWP Region 6 HQ–via video–54078 US Hwy 2 W.
• Dec. 10 Miles City FWP Region 7 HQ–via video–352 I-94 Business Loop.

Copies of the draft rule and comment forms are available online here.

Public comment on the draft rule will be accepted through, December 20th.

A final rule will considered for approval by the Fish & Wildlife Commission in Spring 2014. For more information, call 406-444-2612, or visit the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park

Governor Bullock Announces $500,000 in Grants to Support Montana Tourism

Last week, Montana Governor Steve Bullock joined Montana Department of Commerce Director Meg O’Leary to announce the award of $500,000 from Commerce’s Tourism Infrastructure Investment Program (TIIP) for eight tourism facility improvement projects in Bozeman, Browning, Fort Belknap, Hamilton, Malta, Poplar, Red Lodge and Terry.

“Tourism plays an important part in Montana’s economy. These grants are a reinvestment of Montana Lodging Tax funds back into tourism facilities across the state that are working to improve the quality of experiences they offer visitors and Montanans,“ Governor Bullock said of the grants. “These projects will strengthen our communities and attract more visitors to support Main Street Montana businesses.”

Montana Department of Commerce Director O’Leary noted, “the TIIP grant funds will help both established tourism attractions upgrade their facilities as well as give developing attractions a boost in their efforts to expand their appeal and services.” She added, “these projects also benefit Montana residents by bolstering the local economy and adding to their community’s quality of life.”

Director O’Leary approved the TIIP grant funding for the projects following recommendations made by Commerce staff and members of the state’s Tourism Advisory Council. The eight TIIP grant recipients were selected from 24 applications requesting $1.82 million in grant funds from the program. When completed, the eight projects will result in $1.3 million in tourism facility improvements. The $500,000 TIIP grant funds will leverage $768,848 from other private and public sector sources being invested in these projects.

This year the TIIP grant awards include:

1. $54,000 awarded to the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary in Red Lodge for improvements to their Montana native wildlife care and public education facility’s walkways, signage and grounds. Total Project Cost: $81,000.

2. $20,111 awarded to Hamilton Players, Inc. for the purchase and installation of updated theater technology and performance equipment in their live theater facility in Hamilton. Total Project Cost: $36,331.

3. $80,000 awarded to the Blackfeet Tribe for improvements and restoration of the Chewing Blackbones Campground near St. Mary on the east side of Glacier National Park. Total Project Cost: $191,200.

4. $34,266 awarded to the Fort Belknap Indian Community/Island Mountain Development group for the construction and installation of picnic tables and shades at public recreation and campground areas in or near Mission Canyon/Hays, Snake Butte, Lodgepole and the buffalo pasture viewing area/observation platform along MT Route 66, south of the Fort Belknap Agency. Total Project Cost: $51,400.

5. $132,586 awarded to Bridger Bowl, Inc. in Bozeman for construction of the Alpine Cabin, which will provide visitor services for those using two new ski lifts being constructed on the north side of Bridger Bowl Ski Area. Total Project Cost: $325,000.

6. $45,310 awarded to the Prairie County Museum for a water mitigation project in the basement of their historic building in downtown Terry. Total Project Cost: $81,500.

7. $20,000 awarded to the Judith River Foundation/Great Plains Dinosaur Museum in Malta for the purchase and installation of new hands-on learning stations, improved fossil storage and exterior dinosaur displays. Total Project Cost: $31,500.

8. $113,727 awarded to the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes to assist in the restoration of the historic Poplar Agency Indian Boarding School Dining Hall for use as a visitor information and tourism program facility. Total Project Cost: $472,107.

Since 1995, TIIP grants have provided $5.2 million in tourism lodging tax funds to 114 projects in 52 Montana communities. These TIIP-assisted projects represent $48.5 million in Montana tourism facility improvements financed with public and private funds.

TIIP grant funds are provided by the 4% Montana Lodging Facility Use Tax which is assessed on the lodging price of all accommodations across Montana, including campgrounds. The grants are awarded through a competitive process and require $1 match for every $2 provided by grant funds.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park

Montana State Parks Seeks Public Comment on Statewide Recreation Plan - Meetings Tomorrow

Montana State Parks has announced that public comment is being sought on the draft Montana Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). The plan provides strategic recommendations to help maintain outdoor recreation as a priority in Montana because it benefits the quality of life for Montanans, and helps sustain economic vitality of our communities.

This plan, titled Creating a Vibrant Future for Montana’s Outdoor Recreation Heritage, provides a roadmap for recreation in Montana for 2014-2018. In Montana, demands for outdoor recreation are increasing. From 2008-2012, Glacier National Park visitation was up 16.4%, Montana State Parks visitation increased by 10%, Bureau of Land Management visitation is up 9%, and from 2000-2010, off-highway vehicle registration has tripled and fishing is up 5%.

Outdoor recreation is defined as hiking, walking, biking, motorized use (off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles), wildlife-associated recreation, aquatic activities, and more. In 2012, 77% of Montana households reported participating in walking and biking.

This statewide draft plan was developed through a collaborative process with an advisory committee representing federal, state, and local recreation managers, and tourism partners, along with public surveys of Montana residents by the University of Montana Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research and additional national and state agency data collection.

The 2014-2018 SCORP key findings show that while Montana residents and more than 10 million out-of-state visitors, enjoy a diverse array of outdoor recreation opportunities on Montana’s 38 million acres of public land, each year, outdoor recreation managers and entities are struggling to accommodate the increased demand due to decreasing budgets, increasing maintenance costs and lack of coordination between federal, state, and local governments along with stakeholder organizations and associations.

SCORP offers a roadmap for the next 5 years recommending ways that outdoor recreation can be prioritized at a higher level, so that the capacity of agencies to manage recreation safely and adequately on public lands does not diminish. The plan looks at Montana’s existing outdoor recreation facilities and resources, growing demands for recreation activities, and evaluates national and state trends.

In addition to its value as a planning document, the completion of a SCORP continues Montana’s eligibility for the stateside Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant program, a federally funded program that has supported community recreation projects in Montana communities since 1965 and is administered by Montana State Parks.

Today, Montana receives approximately $300,000 in federal funding per year for local community grants. Recent LWCF projects include the acquisition of park land on Mount Ascension in Helena and development of a city swimming pool in Malta.

This week, the Montana State Parks & Recreation Board proposed that the draft SCORP be made available for a 30-day public comment.

The 2014-2018 SCORP can viewed on the Montana State Parks website, public comment page.

The public is invited to review the draft plan and provide comments to Montana State Parks by Monday, November 18 at 5pm.

The public can also send comments by mail to: Montana Draft 2014-2018 SCORP Public Comment, PO Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701.

In addition, Montana State Parks will be hosting a statewide public meeting on Wednesday, October 23. The meeting will be from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at the following locations:

1. Kalispell – FWP Region 1 - 490 North Meridian Rd (contact: Dave Landstrom (406) 751-4578)

2. Missoula – FWP Region 2- 3201 Spurgin Rd (contact: Chet Crowser (406) 542-5517)

3. Helena – FWP HQ - 1420 E. 6th Ave (contact: Maren Murphy (406) 444-3750)

4. Bozeman – FWP Region 3 - 1400 South 19th Ave (contact: Jerry Walker (406) 994-3552)

5. Great Falls – FWP Region 4 - 4600 Giant Springs Rd (contact: Matt Marcinek (406) 454-5856)

6. Billings – FWP Region 5 - 2300 Lake Elmo Dr (contact: Doug Habermann (406) 247-2954)

The public is invited to attend the meeting to review and discuss the development of the 2014-2018 SCORP, the priorities and recommendations of the plan, and the value of the plan at the community level.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Releases Minimum Wolf Count For 2012

At least 625 wolves inhabited Montana at the end of 2012 according to state wildlife managers preparing the federally required annual wolf conservation and management report.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' complete report, which is expected to be available online at fwp.mt.gov by April 12, will show that Montana's verified minimum wolf count decreased more than 4% in 2012, compared to a 15% increase in 2011 and an 8% increase in 2010. The minimum wolf count is the number of wolves actually verified by FWP wolf specialists.

The minimum numbers verified by FWP at the end of 2012 include 625 wolves, in 147 packs, and 37 breeding pairs. While it's the first time since 2004 that the minimum count has decreased, Montana’s minimum wolf pack and breeding pairs estimates increased slightly from 2011. The 2012 calculation, however, doesn't include the 95 wolves taken by hunters and trappers between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28 of this year.

"We're making some progress," said FWP Director Jeff Hagener. "Confirmed livestock loss has been on a general downward trend since 2009, and we have more tools now for affecting wolf populations. In some areas, where hunting, trapping and livestock-depredation removals have been effective, it looks like the wolf population's growth has been curbed this year. In other areas the population may be leveling off, but we have more work to do. There are still places where we need to manage for a better balance among other Montana wildlife and with Montana's livestock producers and their families."

For the purpose of reporting minimum counts to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Montana is divided into three areas that reflect the former gray wolf federal recovery zones. The zones overlap and include more than one FWP region. Here's a summary of the 2012 minimum counts verified for those areas:

• The "Northwest Montana" area is located north of U.S. Highway 12 and Interstate-90 from the Idaho border east to I-15 along the Rocky Mountain Front. In this part of the state, where packs tend to be more remote and hunter and trapper access is generally more limited, counts showed 400 wolves in 100 verified packs and 25 breeding pairs, compared to 372, 85, and 23 respectively in 2011. An exception to this general upward trend was in the middle Clark Fork and Blackfoot areas where wolf numbers are similar to last year.

• The Montana portion of the "Central Idaho" area includes the portion of western Montana that lies south of U.S. Highway 12 and I-90, and west of I-15. In these broad valleys and ranchlands, FWP verified 93 wolves in 23 packs, with four breeding pairs, down from 147, 23, and seven respectively in 2011. This overall decrease in minimum counts reflects harvest and wolf removals in response to confirmed livestock losses in the Big Hole in recent years. In contrast, the Upper Bitterroot portion of this recovery area continues to support a stable count and number of packs.

• The Montana portion of the "Greater Yellowstone" area includes southern Montana, east of I-15 and south of the Missouri River. Verified wolf counts here have been stable over the past five years, with 132 wolves in 24 packs, and eight breeding pairs counted in 2012, compared to 134, 22, and nine respectively in 2011.

Hagener said 175 wolves were taken by hunters and trappers in the 2012 calendar year, compared to 121 taken by hunters in 2011. The 95 wolves harvested in 2013 as a result of the hunting and trapping seasons that concluded Feb. 28, will be considered in the 2013 minimum wolf counts.

A total of 108 wolves were removed through agency control efforts in 2012 to prevent further livestock loss and by private citizens who caught wolves chasing or attacking livestock, up from 64 in 2011.

Confirmed livestock depredations due to wolves included 67 cattle, 37 sheep, one dog, two horses and one llama in 2012. Cattle losses in 2012 were the lowest recorded in the past six years.

"We've taken a more aggressive approach to wolf-related livestock loss in recent years and this combined with regulated hunting and trapping is lowering livestock conflicts in some areas," Hagener said. "We'll continue to work to minimize loss for our livestock producers."

The minimum federal recovery goal for wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains was set at a minimum of 30 breeding pairs—successfully reproducing wolf packs—and a minimum of 300 individual wolves for at least three consecutive years and well distributed throughout the recovery area of Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. The goal was achieved in 2002.

The recovery of the wolf in the northern Rockies remains one of the fastest endangered species comebacks on record. In the mid 1990s, to hasten the overall pace of wolf recovery in the Northern Rockies, USFWS released 66 wolves into Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho. FWP began monitoring the wolf population, and managing livestock conflicts in 2004. After several court challenges wolves were successfully delisted in May 2011.

FWP’s report is part of the annual federal recovery update required by USFWS. The end of 2012 wolf population estimates for the northern Rocky Mountains—which will include wolves that inhabit Wyoming, Idaho and information about wolves in Yellowstone National Park—is expected to be available second week of April from the USFWS online at westerngraywolf.fws.gov.

The delisting of wolves in 2011 allows Montana to manage wolves in a manner similar to how bears, mountain lions and other wildlife species are managed, which is guided by state management plans, administrative rules, and laws.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park

New Wolf Laws in Montana Take Effect Immediately

A wolf management bill that won swift and overwhelming bipartisan support in the Montana Legislature was signed into law today by the state's new governor.

Gov. Steve Bullock said the law, sponsored by Rep. Kelly Flynn, will allow hunters to purchase up to three wolf licenses and lowers the price of a nonresident wolf license from $350 to $50. The measure will also fortify state wildlife officials' science-based efforts to manage Montana's recovered and growing wolf population, the Governor said.

"This legislation leaves management of the gray wolf where it belongs, in the hands of scientists, not politicians," Gov. Bullock said.

The legislation was amended by lawmakers to allow hunting and trapping of wolves near national parks and allows wildlife officials to close such areas after established wolf harvest quotas are met.

In signing the legislation, Gov. Bullock asked Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks (FWP) to ramp up education programs aimed at averting the harvest of collared wolves near national parks.

Gov. Bullock also directed his staff to determine the best way to reengage the wolf advisory council. The council was originally formed to lead the state's productive wolf conservation and management plan discussions more than 12 years ago.

The new law also allows for wolf hunters to use their license after 24-hours of purchase, instead of a five-day wait; authorizes the use of electronic calls; and removes the requirement for wolf hunters to wear hunter-orange clothing after the general deer and elk hunting seasons have ended.

The recovery of the wolf in the northern Rockies — an area generally comprised of wolf populations in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming — remains one of the fastest endangered species comebacks on record. The recovery goal for wolves in the three states was set at a minimum of 30 breeding pairs — successfully reproducing wolf packs — and a minimum of 300 individual wolves for at least three consecutive years. In the mid 1990s, to hasten the overall pace of wolf recovery, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released wolves into Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho. By 2002 the recovery goal was reached and the wolf population has increased every year since.

Today, at least 1,774 wolves in 287 packs and about 109 breeding pairs, live in the region. The minimum Montana wolf population estimates at the end of 2011 include 653 wolves, in 130 verified packs, and 39 breeding pairs. New official population estimates are expected in March.

Montana's wolf hunting and trapping seasons are open through Feb. 28. So far, hunters have taken 115 wolves and trappers have reported taking 84 wolves. For more information, visit FWP online at fwp.mt.gov, and then click "Montana Wolf Hunt".


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park

New National Historic Landmark in Montana

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced the designation of 13 new National Historic Landmarks in nine different states, including a site associated with the famed Apache scouts, the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in the world, and an early 18th-century parish church.

In Montana, Deer Medicine Rocks also became a National Historic Landmark. Located in Rosebud County, Deer Medicine Rocks is a sandstone rock formation in Montana’s Rosebud Valley that is associated with the Great Sioux War of 1876-1877. Numerous Native American petroglyphs cover the walls, including a representation of the Battle of the Little Big Horn, as well as various anthropomorphic and religious drawings.

“Each of these landmarks teaches us about the history of our land, our people, and our nation - from pictographs dating back two millennia to a World War II warship,” Secretary Salazar said. “By designating these sites as National Historic Landmarks, we are ensuring that future generations will know these important chapters in our nation’s story.”

National Historic Landmarks are nationally significant historic places that possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States. The program, established in 1935, is administered by the National Park Service on behalf of the Secretary of the Interior.

“These new listings will join approximately 2,500 other sites in the National Historic Landmark Program,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “These places not only showcase our rich and complex history – from prehistoric time right up to the modern era – but they help drive tourism and boost local economies.”

The press release also mentioned that Secretary Salazar has announced the acceptance of a boundary clarification and updated documentation for Fort Benton Historic District in Fort Benton, Montana which was designated in 1961.

For a full list of all the new National Historic Landmarks, please click here.





Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

Montana's Wolf Population Up 15 Percent In 2011

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks announced yesterday that at least 653 wolves were counted by FWP wolf specialists at the end of 2011, according to the annual wolf conservation and management report released Wednesday by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

FWP’s report, which is available online, shows Montana's minimum wolf population increased by 87 wolves or about 15 percent in 2011, compared to an eight percent increase last year and a five percent increase in 2009. The minimum wolf count is the number of wolves actually counted by FWP wolf specialists, and likely is 10 to 30 percent fewer than the actual wolf population.

The minimum Montana wolf population counts include 653 wolves, in 130 verified packs, and 39 breeding pairs. Montana’s minimum pack count and number of breeding pairs also increased from 2010.

There are at least 4 wolf packs residing in Glacier National Park, and another 5 packs living along the border area.


However, wildlife managers are considering an increase in the wolf harvest in 2012:

"We believe we have to reduce the wolf population in Montana,” said FWP Director Joe Maurier. FWP’s objective with the 2011 hunting season was to reduce the population by about 25 percent.

“We were aiming for a minimum population of about 425 after the hunting season,” Maurier said. “Despite a six-month season that started in September, hunters were only able to take enough wolves to reach 75 percent of our wolf hunting quota and, with livestock depredation down from last year, there were fewer control actions, so it makes sense that the wolf population grew in 2011. We will definitely seek additional management tools to reach a better balance among wolves, prey populations, hunters, landowners and others.”

FWP obtained full management authority of wolves in Montana upon the federal delisting of the Rocky Mountain gray wolf in May 2011.

“We’re committed to using our authority to responsibly manage Montana’s wolf population while addressing conflicts with livestock and other wildlife populations,” Maurier said. “We’re also committed to allowing hunters, who are showing a real interest in pursuing wolves, to become even more involved in Montana’s approach to wolf management.”

Maurier said FWP is now mapping out additional tools wildlife managers may need to increase the wolf harvest in 2012, including regulation changes that could allow hunters to take more than one wolf, the purchase of more than one hunting license, and the possibility of trapping. Also possible are new rules to allow the use of electronic calls, more wolf hunting educational opportunities, a reconsideration of statewide quotas, and a longer wolf hunting season.

“FWP understands that the continued increasing trend is alarming for many Montanans who look for FWP management to cap and reduce the wolf population. That is our intent,” Maurier said.

Some of the changes could be implemented by the FWP Commission, others would require a change in state law. The FWP Commission will consider tentative wolf season proposals in May and will make final decisions for the 2012-13 season in July.

“We’re talking about a number of approaches but we want to hear from hunters, landowners and others,” Maurier said. “FWP will plan for several public opportunities to get the public involved—including a March 7 FWP Commission work session in Helena. We’ll be focused on increasing the capacity for harvest in a responsible and ethical manner.”

The minimum recovery goal for wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains was set at a minimum of 30 breeding pairs—successfully reproducing wolf packs—and a minimum of 300 individual wolves for at least three consecutive years and well distributed throughout the recovery area. The goal was achieved in 2002, and the wolf population has increased every year since. Montana’s wolf plan calls for maintaining at least 15 breeding pairs and 150 wolves.

FWP’s report will be included in the annual federal recovery update produced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of post-delisting monitoring, which is required by the Endangered Species Act. That federal report, expected to be released next week, will also chronicle the wolf population’s status in Idaho and Wyoming.

Each of Montana’s three geographic regions inhabited by wolves showed some increases in 2011:

* northwestern Montana's population exhibited the greatest increase where the population grew to a minimum of 372 wolves, in 85 verified packs, and 23 breeding pairs. Eight of the packs reside on reservations where they are managed by Tribal authorities.

* western Montana's population increased slightly to at least 147 wolves in 23 packs, and seven breeding pairs.

* southwestern Montana's population increased slightly to at least 134 wolves in 22 packs, and nine breeding pairs.

About 24 packs occur along Montana's border with Idaho, 19 of which are included in the Montana estimate. This demonstrates the continued influence of the robust wolf population in Idaho on Montana’s wolf population. Additionally, one pack is shared with Wyoming and is included in Montana’s minimum population estimate.

Maurier noted that Montana's wolf population remains well above recovery goals. "That means an intensive management strategy is needed to strike the right balance between wolves, other wildlife, the available habitat and the people who live and work in Montana,” he said.

Wolf recovery in Montana continues to be accompanied by livestock killed by wolves and wolves killed to resolve conflicts, as chronicled in the latest report. Of the 216 wolf deaths documented in 2011, 64 were related to livestock depredations, eight were illegal kills, 121 were hunter harvests up to Dec. 31, 2011, and vehicles or trains struck eight wolves. Others died from a variety of causes common to all wildlife species, including poor health and old age. An additional 45 wolves were taken by hunters between Jan. 1 and Feb. 15 of this year.

One pack was removed entirely due to chronic conflicts with livestock. Ten others disbanded and no longer exist due to some level of conflict removal or pack-member dispersals.

Cattle deaths confirmed by USDA Wildlife Services in Montana decreased from 87 in 2010 to 74 in 2011, and confirmed sheep death losses dropped from 64 to 11. About 17 percent of Montana wolf packs were confirmed to have killed livestock, down from 31 percent in 2010. One horse and two domestic dogs were also confirmed killed by wolves. Additional losses and injuries occurred, but either could not be verified or were determined to be "probable" wolf kills.

Maurier said that 57 wolves were killed through agency control efforts to prevent further depredations, down from 128 in 2010. Private citizens killed an additional seven wolves caught chasing or attacking livestock, compared with 13 in 2010.

A variety of nonlethal predation deterrents were also employed in Montana in cooperation with landowners to reduce the risk of wolf attacks. FWP again collaborated in the Blackfoot Challenge range-rider project as well as a new project in the Big Hole Valley. FWP staff worked with landowners to provide fladry and advice on keeping wolves out of livestock areas.

The recovery of the wolf in the northern Rockies remains one of the fastest endangered species comebacks on record. In the mid 1990s, to hasten the overall pace of wolf recovery in the Northern Rockies, 66 wolves were released into Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho.

FWP has led wolf management under the federal guidelines since 2004. The delisting of wolves in May 2011 allows Montana to manage wolves in a manner similar to how bears, mountain lions and other wildlife species are managed, which is guided by state management plans, administrative rules, and laws.

To learn more about Montana’s wolf population, visit FWP online.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

Making a case for the Great Plains Trail

“While I know that the standard claim is that Yosemite, Yellowstone and the like, afford the greatest natural shows…but the prairies and the plains, while less stunning at first sight, fill the esthetic sense fuller, precede all the rest, and make North America’s characteristic landscape.”

– Walt Whitman

Most people are already familiar with the Appalachian, Continental Divide and the Pacific Crest Trails. All three trails traverse the United States from north to south. However, there's a great void within the middle of the country with respect to a national border-to-border trail. That could change if one mans vision comes to fruition.

Over the last year-and-a-half, Steve Myers, a 5th-grade teacher from Colorado, has been pushing the idea for a "Great Plains Trail". Earlier in the week, Myers told the National Parks Traveler:

"I believe the Great Plains is an often overlooked national treasure with remarkable scenic qualities, incredible wildlife, and a rich human history. I believe the best way to experience the beauty of the Great Plains (or any place for that matter) is through direct experience and recreation."

Mr. Myers' ultimate goal is to establish a long distance, non-motorized trail that passes through the short grass prairies of the Great Plains. He envisions a trail that will run from Canada’s Grassland National Park on the U.S. / Canadian border in Montana, to the summit of Guadalupe Peak in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas.

In between, day hikers and thru-hikers will pass through the American Prairie Reserve and the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge in eastern Montana, the Black Hills of South Dakota, Pawnee National Grassland in eastern Colorado, Arikaree Breaks in western Kansas, Comanche National Grassland in southeastern Colorado, and will likely follow the Santa Fe National Historic Trail through parts of Kiowa National Grassland in northern New Mexico.

As currently envisioned, the trail will allow for hiking, horseback riding, and in most areas, mountain biking. Eventually, Myers would like to see the trail be designated as a National Scenic Trail.

I know many people might scoff at this idea, but I'm in total agreement with Steve that the Great Plains are truly beautiful, and worthy of a national scenic trail. Non-believers just need to slow down and explore the region, and all it has to offer.

For more information, or how to get involved, please click here.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

Missing the Hucks?

One of the great things about hiking in Glacier, versus most other parks, is the abundance of huckleberries and the ability to pick a handful or two while out hiking. Maybe, after a long day on trail, you made a stop at the store for some huckleberry icecream or a huckleberry shake. Or perhaps you waited until after dinner for a yummy slice of huckleberry pie.

Unfortunately, for those that don't live in Montana, many won't have a chance to experience the delightful taste of huckleberries for a very long time....that is until now.

For those travelers missing huckleberries, or simply have a year-round craving for the small, but delicious purple fruit, you now have the option of purchasing a variety of Montana huckleberry products from our online store. Whether its chocolate covered huckleberries, huckleberry jam, pie filling, or even BBQ sauce, "huck" lovers will find a wide variety of products to satisfy that craving - that is until the next time you can pick a handful yourself.

To see our entire selection of huckleberry products, click onto our Amazon affiliate store, and then look for the "Huckleberry Products" tab.



Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

Logan Pass Designated First Important Plant Area in Montana

The Logan Pass area in Glacier National Park is well known for spectacular displays of summer wildflowers. This area is home to popular flowers like glacier lilies, beargrass, spring beauties, paintbrush and wandering daisies; but the area also harbors an exceptional number of rare arctic-alpine plants. There are more than 30 different rare plants and mosses in an area that covers less than three percent of the park.

As a result of the unique assemblage of sensitive species found in this small region, the Montana Native Plant Society designated the Logan Pass area last April as the first Important Plant Area (IPA) in the state of Montana.

An IPA is a special designation modeled after Important Bird Areas identified by the Audubon Society, a global program to identify and conserve areas that are vital to birds and biodiversity.

Jack Potter, Glacier’s Chief of Science and Resources Management, says "While these areas are not legal site designations, the IPA’s are a great tool for identifying and highlighting locations in which to focus conservation actions, research, and funding for plants and habitats." Potter also reminds park visitors that "this IPA, as with all high elevation areas in Glacier, is very sensitive to trampling and human disturbance. Sections of the Logan Pass area are even subject to seasonal closures when the soil is saturated from snowmelt. We ask visitors to follow the ‘leave no trace’ principles and stay on the trails which are the best place to view these spectacular wildflowers."

The Logan Pass IPA straddles the Continental Divide. It is located at the headwaters of the St. Mary drainage and ranges in elevation from 5,100 feet along Reynolds Creek north of Heavy Runner Mountain to 10,000 feet on Mount Siyeh. The Logan Pass region is a particular hot spot due to a wide diversity of habitats, including alpine meadows, wetlands, turf, hanging gardens, fellfields, moist and dry dwarf shrublands and more.

Within the new IPA you can find eight globally rare species and 27 different state listed sensitive species representing about 30 percent of the state-listed species found in the park. Logan Pass provides habitat for the world’s largest population of goose-grass sedge. It the only place in Montana to view glaucous gentian, running pine, Macoun’s draba, and several moss species.

The Montana Native Plant Society anticipates designating additional Important Plant Areas in coming years, as many other special areas across the state qualify for designation. More information on the program and the Logan Pass designation is available at:

www.mtnativeplants.org/Native_Plant_Conservation


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com