Dear FWP and the Elk Management Citizen Advisory Group -
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on your ‘Collaboration between FWP, USFS, BLM & DNRC and Any Other Pertinent Local, State, or Federal Land Management Agencies’ proposal.
The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers supports the implementation of a clear outreach plan that highlights the existing relationship between FWP and other local, state, or federal land management agencies. We recognize the perceived disconnect between wildlife managers and land managers and agree that the department could work to change the public’s understanding of the interplay between these agencies, their interests and their goals.
That said, we understand the existing limitations of Montana FWP to work unilaterally to improve wildlife habitat, and the other considerations land management agencies must consider when working on collaborative projects. Therefore, FWP formed an Interagency Access Counsel that met in 2018 – but has yet to meet since. We would propose a formal formation and annual (or biannual, depending on feasibility) meeting of the Interagency Access Counsel to address these concerns, and applaud any efforts to increase transparency regarding the actions of collaborative work between agencies.
Thank you again for the opportunity to comment on your ‘Collaboration between FWP, USFS, BLM & DNRC and Any Other Pertinent Local, State, or Federal Land Management Agencies’ proposal. We appreciate your careful consideration.
-The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers