FWP holds meetings on elk plan

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking public input on revisions to the statewide Elk Management Plan last adopted in 2005.

The state agency is hosting meetings about the plan update around western Montana next week.

FWP began work on the revised plan in 2020, when a citizen’s group was convened to develop guiding principles for the new plan.

FWP is seeking input on the existing elk population objectives and local elk management challenges that should be considered in the revision. The scoping period started earlier this summer.

“We’ve been hearing concerns and interest from hunters and landowners about the current Elk Management Plan for a while now,” said FWP Director Hank Worsech. “This is a great opportunity to participate in revising that plan. We can’t have a good plan without knowing what people want elk management and elk objectives to look like in Montana.”

Information on current elk population objectives being considered for revision can be viewed online at https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/public-comment-opportunities/elk-plan-scoping/hd-info. In addition, FWP is hosting a series of public meetings this summer and fall to gather ideas and input. Meeting places, times and details are posted on the FWP website.

In northwest Montana, FWP is hosting public meetings: Aug. 22, Libby, Little Theater, 6 p.m.;

Aug. 23, Kalispell, Flathead Valley Community College Arts and Technology building, 6 p.m.;

Aug. 24, Eureka, Timbers Lodge, 6 p.m.; Aug. 25, Thompson Falls, Elementary School gym, 6 p.m.

There will also be a statewide virtual meeting on Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. More information and additional locations for public meetings across Montana can be found online at https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/public-comment-opportunities/elk-plan-scoping.

“If you’re interested in elk management in Montana, we need to hear from you on this,” Worsech said. “Please attend a meeting in your area, go online, read through the information and make comments.”

The deadline for public comment is Oct. 15. Comments can be submitted online, emailed to FWPWLD@mt.gov or mailed to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Attn: Wildlife, P.O. Box 200701 Helena, MT 59620-0701.

Once the draft Elk Management Plan has been developed and released, there will be additional public comment opportunities.