GWA Projects

ON THE GROUND ACTIVISM

Wildlife Habitat Protection: The Robb-Ledford Wildlife Management Area

The Robb-Ledford Wildlife Management Area (RLWMA) located in the Snow Crest Mountains south of Alder Montana is critical habitat for sage grouse, beaver, native trout, elk, mule deer, antelope and a variety of other wildlife. GWA is concerned the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) has given priority to domestic livestock grazing over wildlife habitat enhancement and protection on this critical Wildlife Management Area.
GWA members have taken an active leadership role both on the ground (Aug. 11, 2001 tour of the RLWMA) and through scientific advocacy. We will continue to monitor and shape management activities on this critical wildlife habitat.

Bighorn Sheep Reintroduction a Priority

Greenhorn Mountains south of Alder Montana - GWA advocacy was instrumental in reviving this bighorn sheep reintroduction plan.

Bridger Mountains near Bozeman Montana - GWA is working to ensure the Bridger Mountains will once again feel the hooves of native bighorn sheep. This effort involves securing conservation easements on adjacent private lands that will provide critical habitat for wintering bighorns.

Highland Mountains south of Butte Montana - GWA assisted the FWP with a release of bighorn sheep into this historic habitat.

Sage Grouse Habitat Protection and Population Recovery

GWA initiated a cooperative effort with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and other interested parties to research the habitat requirements and population status of sage grouse in sagebrush habitat types in southwestern Montana.

Wild Trout and Beaver Riparian Habitat Enhancement

GWA and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) planted willow shoots along Bracket Creek in the Bridger Mountains northeast of Bozeman, Montana.

Beaverhead River - Wetland, Riverine and Waterfowl Habitat Enhancement

In cooperation with the BLM, Ducks Unlimited, and other interested parties, GWA has advocated for wetland, riverine, native plant and waterfowl enhancement projects along the Beaverhead River at Pipe Organ Rock south of Dillon Montana.

Madison River - Beartrap Canyon Wilderness Noxious Weed Control

GWA and the Montana Wilderness Association (MWA) have partnered with BLM on a wilderness sensitive noxious weed control effort.

Gallatin River - Adopt-a-River and Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup

Twice annually, GWA volunteers take pride in cleaning up the Gallatin River along the highway at the mouth of the Gallatin Canyon near Spanish Creek.

LEGAL ACTIVISM

Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) Protected

GWA is working to protect bighorn sheep, sage grouse and westslope cutthroat trout habitat from conflicts with domestic livestock grazing within the Muddy Creek Watershed, a tributary to Big Sheep Creek south of Dillon Montana.
GWA is working to have this watershed and the Hidden Pasture Wilderness Study Area designated as an ACEC, a BLM recommendation over 20 years ago.

BLM to Initiate Planning Process for ACECs.

GWA and NWF took legal action to hold BLM accountable to the public by requiring BLM to initiate their long overdue Resource Management Plan (RMP) in the Dillon Resource Area and to act on ACEC recommendations made over 20 years ago.
GWA is actively participating in the BLM RMP Process. We have urged BLM to coordinate with the USFS on the adjacent Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest during their simultaneous Forest Planning effort.
GWA will contribute significant time and resources to these two very important Land Use Planning Processes in the year 2002 and beyond. GWA will be a local grassroots force for wildlife both in the field and through scientifically based advocacy.

Bison Habitat in the Greater Yellowstone

GWA is cooperating in a legal effort to ensure the Gallatin National Forest considers the needs of wild bison migrating from Yellowstone National Park to critical bison winter range on adjacent USFS lands at Horse Butte.

Habitat Protection: Sage grouse, Ferruginous Hawk, Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Elk, Moose, Mule Deer and Beaver

GWA has appealed a joint BLM-USFS grazing decision in the East Pioneers north of Dillon, Montana, to ensure big sagebrush-riparian habitat is managed to meet the needs of sage grouse, ferruginous hawks and other wildlife.

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVISM

Montana Sage Grouse Working Group

GWA has participated in local meetings and continues to monitor this state-wide, inter-agency planning effort.
GWA will provide substantive comments to the draft Conservation Strategy.

Sage Grouse Habitat Restoration Symposium in Idaho June 2001

Attended by GWA President Glenn Hockett and Ben Deeble from NWF

Engaging the Hunting and Angling Community

GWA, MWF and other MWF affiliates met at the Beartooth Wildlife Management Area (Aug. 24 -26, 2001) to discuss how to engage the hunting and fishing community to speak-up on conservation issues. Management of public wildlife and the protection of habitat are key focal points.