FWP is seeking public comment on a draft plan and environmental impact statement to guide the long-term management and conservation of grizzly bears across the state.

The plan was informed by existing bear plans and conservation strategies for parts of the state, the federal recovery plan and the work of the Grizzly Bear Advisory Council, appointed by then-Gov. Steve Bullock in 2019.  

The new plan would replace two existing plans – those for western Montana and for southwest Montana – with one statewide plan in which FWP commits to maintaining the long-term viability of grizzly bears while prioritizing human safety. The statewide plan will serve as a framework for the management of grizzly bears now and into the future.  

Public Notice 2/8/24

• Extended Comment Period for 2024 Grizzly Bear Management Plan and Associated Draft Environmental Impact Statement (PDF)

Additional Resources

• Grizzly bear management and conservation in Montana

• Western Montana Bear Management Plan, 2006 (PDF)

• Southwest Montana Bear Management Plan, 2013 (PDF)  

• Interagency Grizzly Bear Committe (IGBC)

Draft Plan and Environmental Impact Statement

• Draft Statewide Grizzly Bear Management Plan (PDF)

• Statewide Grizzly Bear Management Plan - Draft EIS (PDF)

• Statewide Grizzly Bear Management Plan - Draft EIS Executive Summary (PDF)

• Grizzly Bear Plan FAQ (PDF)

Public Comment Opportunity

Deadline: Comments were due by 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2024