State works on new lion plan

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is inviting the public to comment as it develops a new statewide management plan for mountain lions for the first time in 20 years.

The updated plan will summarize the latest science and monitoring data, describe conservation and harvest strategies and compile policies in a single document. The agency expects to have a draft management plan ready for public review by the end of the year.

Comments can be submitted by visiting fwp.mt.gov, and clicking “Mountain Lion Plan.” The comment deadline is July 22, at 5 p.m.

Jay Kolbe, the state wildlife biologist leading the plan update, said in a press release that it will provide wildlife biologists with guidance when making management decisions.

For more information, contact Kolbe at 499-2356 or by email at jkolbe.fwp@gmail.com.