What are the advantages of designating reintroduced grizzly bears as nonessential, experimental in the Bitterroot Ecosystem?
Designating grizzly bears reintroduced to the Bitterroot Ecosystem as nonessential, experimental would contribute to the recovery and conservation of grizzly bears in the northern Rocky Mountains. Effects of grizzly bears on land uses, big game populations, human safety, and livestock were some of the major issues identified by the public during scoping and development of this proposal. Under the experimental population alternative (Alternative 1), special management activities are proposed to reduce perceived or real effects grizzly bears might have on human activities. Examples of proposed management activities include: a citizen management committee, and elimination of consultation by USFWS on land management activities. Nonessential experimental status would be accompanied by citizen-based management. Management is to be overseen by a 15-member Citizen Management Committee to be appointed by the Secretary of Interior following consultation with the governors of Idaho and Montana, a
