FWP extends comment period on grizzly bear management plan
Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks has extended the comment period on its proposed grizzly management plan from Jan. 5 to Feb. 4.
The 217-page draft management plan and the 202-page environmental impact statement were released earlier this month in anticipation of the federal government eventually delisting the bears. Grizzlies are considered a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.
The extension comes in response to multiple requests for additional time to review the more than 400 pages of material. Many groups and individuals were upset about the length of the comment period, especially during the holiday season.
“It's not just a function of there being 450 pages, but there are a lot of scientific controversies in there,” George Nickas of Wilderness Watch said. “It takes a while to review.”
FWP is required to provide at least 30 days for public comment on the drafted EIS and the original comment period reached the 30 day mark. The agency is allowed to extend the comment period for up to an additional 30 days, which pushes the end of the comment period to early February.
“We know the holidays are a busy time for people and their families,” FWP Director Hank Worsech said in a statement. “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.”
To review the plan and comment, go online to https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/public-comment-opportunities/grizzly-bear-management-plan. To comment by mail, address remarks to the Wildlife Division, Grizzly Bear Plan and EIS, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620. Comments can also be emailed to fwpwld@mt.gov.
At the conclusion of the extended comment period, FWP officials said they will review submissions and adjust the plan accordingly. Worsech will then issue a record of decision in accordance with the Montana Environmental Policy Act and the department will present the plan to the Fish and Wildlife Commission for review and potential approval.
Reporter Kate Heston can be reached at kheston@dailyinterlake.com.