Feds Approve Railroad Plan to Save Montana Grizzly Bears
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Burlington Northern Santa Fe and the Montana Outdoor Legacy Foundation say they've gotten federal approval for a plan to cut grizzly bear mortality along the state's northernmost railroad route.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has approved BNSF's application for an "Incidental Take Permit", with the railroad providing nearly $3-million to support efforts to manage conflicts with bears in Northwest and North Central Montana.
The plan is a response to growing concerns about bears being hit by trains, especially along the southern boundary of Glacier National Park. Among the ideas, installation of electric fences, and radios to monitor bear locations.
How to save grizzlies along the HiLine and beyond
As the population of grizzlies in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem has grown, so has the number of bears who've died wandering across tracks from the southern tip of Glacier National Park east into the plains.
That prompted conservation groups to file a lawsuit two years ago, pressing for a remedy, although BNSF notes it has worked on the issue since 1991.
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What will happen to protect grizzlies along the railroad in Montana?
There are several steps in the new plan, some along the railroad and others in the surrounding country to help with bear management and cutting conflicts.
“This plan represents a significant partnership and step forward in our continued efforts to bolster grizzly bear recovery"- FWP Director Christy Clark.
BNSF is agreeing to help fund FWP bear technicians, who work to cut human-bear conflicts. The funds will also provide for additional equipment including electric fences and bear resistant containers to keep grizzlies out of garbage.
The railroad will also help pay for additional equipment, like radio collars and remote cameras to monitor the location of grizzlies.
“BNSF is grateful for the insight provided by stakeholders in this process,” said John Lovenburg, BNSF VP of Environment & Sustainability. “We look forward to working with federal, tribal and state government partners and Montana's Outdoor Legacy Foundation to ensure the effective implementation of the measures set out in the HCP, as well as the permit issued by USFWS.”