Forest Extends Deadline for Public Comments on Elk Habitat Objectives
By Moosetrack Megan

Posted: January 8, 2020

Hamilton, Montana – Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor Matt Anderson has extended the deadline for public comments on a proposed Forest Plan Amendment for Elk Habitat Objectives.  The three week extension is to allow the public additional time to provide information or relevant literature they wish to have considered.  Comments are now due by February 10, 2020.

The Forest is conducting the evaluation in coordination with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) to consider using more recent scientific literature and updated metrics for elk standards than was available 32-years ago, when the Forest Plan was adopted.  FWP has also recently concluded several research projects on elk distribution and seasonal movements within the Bitterroot Valley.  The evaluation of current forest plan standards for elk is an opportune time to incorporate these research results.

To learn more about the need to conduct a Forest Plan amendment for Elk Habitat Objectives visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57302

Public comments specific to this review are valuable in helping the Forest Service and Montana FWP identify concerns, develop alternatives, and refine the analysis to focus on issues.

If you wish to comment in writing, please address your comments to:  Bitterroot National Forest, Attn: Forest Plan Amendment, 1801 N. 1st Street, Hamilton, MT 59840.  Comments should include: 1) name, address, phone number, and organization represented, if any; 2) specific facts and supporting information for the responsible official to consider.

Electronic comments must be submitted via the project comment page: https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public//CommentInput?Project=57302

For additional information contact Justin Martens, Wildlife Biologist at 406-821-1213 or Jeff Shearer, Project Manager at 406-375-2608.

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