Montana, BNSF Railway Partner on Plan to Enhance Grizzly Bear Conservation Efforts

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, in partnership with BNSF Railway and Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation, is proud to announce the completion of a plan to enhance grizzly bear conservation and conflict reduction efforts in northwest and north-central Montana. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) recently approved BNSF’s proposed Habitat Conservation Plan submitted as part of the company’s application for an Incidental Take Permit. This landmark plan, developed in collaboration with FWP and others, outlines measures BNSF will take to reduce potential impacts to the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE) grizzly bear population from human-related mortalities. BNSF will provide $2.9 million to support personnel, equipment and education to reduce human-bear conflicts and grizzly bear mortalities in the ecosystem. Key components of the plan include: Conflict Response and Reduction: BNSF will provide funding for additional seasonal grizzly bear technicians employed by FWP. These technicians will work throughout the NCDE on public outreach, conflict response and attractant reduction programs. The funding will provide for additional equipment such as electric fences and bear resistant containers to reduce human-bear conflicts. Monitoring Equipment: BNSF will fund additional equipment, such as radio collars and remote cameras, to aid in monitoring bears and reducing conflicts. Waste Management: BNSF will fund efforts to improve waste disposal areas and otherwise reduce attractants on public and private property. Livestock Conflict Reduction: BNSF will fund measures to reduce livestock depredation and human-bear conflicts. Community Engagement and Education: BNSF will provide funding for conflict mitigation efforts in the NCDE through education and outreach efforts, including events and information on living and recreating safely in bear country, reducing attractants, and how to use bear spray. Since 1991, BNSF has collaborated with tribal, federal, state and local government agencies, conservation groups and industry to address and mitigate concerns about grizzly bear mortality incidental to railroad operations. These efforts include agreements to implement programs and measures to minimize bear and train conflicts, primarily by identifying and removing attractants from the right-of-way and installing deterrents when needed in high-risk areas. As part of this, BNSF has implemented a rapid-response program for grain spills, historically a primary attractant for bears to railways, and expanded bear education for railway employees. The habitat conservation plan formalizes these ongoing efforts by BNSF to promote grizzly bear conservation by supporting wildlife agencies’ management and monitoring programs. “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.” Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation (MOLF) will oversee the mitigation funds, directing resources to high-priority conservation projects. “We are working to implement solutions that support both wildlife and communities,” said MOLF Director Mitch King. “This funding will help expand conflict prevention programs and support the work of localized bear specialists.” The NCDE is home to one of the largest grizzly bear populations in the contiguous U.S., with an estimated 1,100 bears in the region. The area spans Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, and surrounding tribal, public and private lands in northwest and north-central Montana. The habitat conservation plan aligns with broader efforts to maintain habitat connectivity and ensure the species’ continued recovery under the Endangered Species Act. “This plan represents a significant partnership and step forward in our continued efforts to bolster grizzly bear recovery and conservation in northwest and north-central Montana,” said FWP Director Christy Clark. “Funding from BNSF will support boots on the ground and benefit public safety and grizzly bears. We commend BNSF Railway for working with us on this plan.”