[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 5 (Monday, January 9, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 2399-2400]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-400]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
Reintroduction of Grizzly Bears to the Bitterroot Ecosystem of
East-Central Idaho and Western Montana
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement
for the reintroduction of grizzly bears to the Bitterroot ecosystem in
east-central Idaho and western Montana.
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SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the Fish and Wildlife
Service (Service) intends to gather information for the preparation of
an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the reintroduction of
grizzly bears to the Bitterroot ecosystem of central Idaho and western
Montana. A series of public scoping sessions pertaining to development
of the EIS will be held. Notices of the dates, times, and locations of
these public opportunities will be advertised in local publications
prior to the event. This notice is being furnished as required by the
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Regulations (40 CFR 1501.7) to
obtain input from other agencies and the public on the scope of issues
to be addressed in the EIS. Comments and participation in this scoping
process will be solicited.
DATES: Written comments should be received by February 23, 1995.
ADDRESSES: Comments should be addressed to the Grizzly Bear Recovery
Coordinator, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 5127, Missoula,
Montana 59806.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
For further information contact Dr. Chris Servheen, (See ADDRESSES
section) telephone 406/329-3223.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A chapter has been prepared and appended to
the Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan that outlines reintroduction as the
proposed method for recovery. Public involvement in the drafting of the
chapter identified issues that include livestock depredation, effects
on big game species/hunting, human health and safety, land use policy/
restrictions, the role of the grizzly bear in the ecosystem
(naturalness), economics, State and Federal authorities, private
property rights, illegal killing/poaching, effects of grizzly bears on
other species (such as listed salmon), and the size of the recovery
area.
Preliminary alternatives suggested to date by the public include no
action (natural recolonization from other populations), restriction of
grizzly recovery to wilderness areas, grizzly recovery should include a
very broad area, reintroduction of grizzly bears as an experimental
population, and reintroduction of grizzly bears as a threatened
species.
A scoping brochure is being prepared that details the EIS process,
background information, issues identified to date, and how to become
involved. Persons who previously requested grizzly recovery information
will receive copies. Other interested people can obtain copies by
writing to Bitterroot Ecosystem Grizzly Bear EIS, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 5127, Missoula, Montana 59806.
The Service, in cooperation with the Idaho Fish and Game
Department, U.S. Forest Service, and the Montana Department of Fish,
Wildlife and Parks, is proposing to recover grizzly bears (Ursus arctos
horribilis) in east-central Idaho and extreme western Montana by
reintroducing them to the bitterroot Mountains area of Idaho.
Introduced grizzly bears and their resultant offspring would be
classified as nonessential experimental under section 10(j) of the
Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et
seq.) Proposed is the release of four to six bears per year for 5
years. All bears would be released within established wilderness
boundaries in Idaho and would be comprised primarily of younger-aged
animals. Bears with no previous known conflict with humans would be
captured and moved to the area from either southeastern British
Columbia or northwestern Montana. All released bears would be ear-
tagged for individual identification and fitted with radio collars so
their movements could be monitored. Bears would be located twice weekly
(weather permitting) for the life of the radio collars (approximately 3
years). The current status and location of transplanted bears would be
relayed weekly to the public through various media contacts. Any bear
coming into conflict with people would be dealt with under protocol
established by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee or under
guidelines identified and included as special rules as stated in
section 10(j) of the Act for experimental populations. Public
participation in the writing of special rules that will govern both the
grizzly bear and habitat management would be conducted and encouraged
following NEPA guidelines. If approved, the relocation of grizzly bears
should begin as early as 1996.
The grizzly bear was once a widespread inhabitant of the Bitterroot
Ecosystem in central Idaho and western Montana. Grizzly bears were
removed from the Bitterroot area by humans as they settled the West,
primarily for the protection of livestock. The last documented grizzly
bear was killed in the 1930's, although occasional, unverified reports
persist. In 1975, the grizzly bear was listed as threatened in the 48
contiguous States under the Act, which directs Federal agencies to take
necessary actions to recover threatened or endangered species. The
recovery of grizzly bears in the Bitterroot ecosystem could potentially
increase the number of grizzly bears south of Canada by 30-35 percent.
In addition, it could potentially provide an important genetic link for
grizzly bears between the Cabinet/Yaak, Northern Continental Divide,
and Yellowstone ecosystems.
The decision to be made includes whether to implement the proposed
action as described above, whether to vary the method or number of
bears to be relocated, determining the status under which grizzly bears
will be recovered, determine the area in which recovery will be pursued
or allowed to occur, and determine which special rules will be adopted
as identified through the public participation process.
The Service estimates that the draft EIS will be available for
public review and comment by December 1995.
Dated: December 29, 1994.
Ralph O. Morgenweck,
Regional Director, Region 6.
[FR Doc. 95-400 Filed 1-6-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M
