A Long Lost Grizzly

While the recent news that a griz was found (and unfortunately accidently killed) in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area has dropped off the media's radar, the public policy implications are only just beginning. Especially in light that genetic analysis on the bear indicates that it came from northern Idaho. King's Outdoor World Blog explains:

The origin of this bear highlights the importance of movement areas on the western edge of the Bitterroot ecosystem, including the area along the Montana-Idaho border between Highway 200 and Lookout Pass; the section of Interstate 90 between Lookout Pass and St. Regis; and the St. Joe River drainage, north of the Clearwater drainage where he was shot.

Wildlife managers don’t know how the bear got to Kelly Creek, but the journey probably involved the areas listed above, which form the most direct route between the southern Selkirks and the northern end of the Bitterroot. That journey underscores the importance of migration corridors in grizzly bear recovery and for all wildlife movement.

That journey also underscores the importance of a comprehensive restoration policy within the Clearwater and Idaho Panhandle National Forests. While the Clearwater National Forest has done an immense amount to address road and restoration issues, especially in partnership with the Nez Perce Tribe, the fact remains that road maintenance funds are inadequate and many roads have fallen into disrepair (or have outright failed). This state of current affairs in Idaho (along with similar conditions in certain Montana national forests), has important implications should the Endangered Species Action protections of griz begin to apply to the Bitterroots. Roads harm grizzly populations, there is no doubt about that:

As roads are punched into bear habitat, their populations and habitat fragmenta major mechanism by which grizzly bear populations have been severely reduced. Fragmentation causes populations to become more isolated and vulnerable to extinction, especially when human-caused mortality continues. This is particularly troublesome to large carnivores such as grizzlies, which require large home ranges.

Thus we reach a point of decision: grizzly bears are entering the Bitterroots, they are traveling through terrain extremely impacted by unmaintained forest roads, and they are still protected by the ESA. We must act now to further existing restoration efforts in the Clearwater and Idaho Panhandle National Forests, and enact new efforts currently are not underway. The fact that griz populations are rebounding is indeed great news, and we have great opportunity to move restoration efforts forward in helping grizzlies naturally return to their original range.