[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]
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