The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has approved a plan by BNSF Railway that will provide funding for grizzly bear conservation in northwest Montana. The plan includes measures such as hiring seasonal bear technicians, installing monitoring equipment, and cleaning up waste along the tracks. BNSF will contribute $2.9 million to support conservation efforts in the area. The permit allows the railroad to “take” 19 grizzly bears over seven years in exchange for the funding. BNSF has a history of bear fatalities along its tracks, with 60 bears killed in the last 15 years.
Conservation groups have expressed cautious optimism about the plan, highlighting the importance of reducing risks to grizzlies in the region. However, some are disappointed that speed reductions were not included in the plan, as trains in the area travel between 25 and 79 miles per hour. The report stated that there was not enough evidence connecting bear fatalities to train speed and that reducing speed would impact fuel efficiency.
BNSF has committed to working with stakeholders, government partners, and the Montana Outdoor Legacy Foundation to implement the measures outlined in the plan. The plan also includes support for education and outreach efforts to promote safe coexistence in bear country. The approval of the plan marks a significant partnership between BNSF, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, and conservation organizations to support grizzly bear recovery and conservation in the region.
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