Stryker Ridge may see mountain goats

LARRY WILSON / For the Hungry Horse News

Last week’s column mentioned the 83rd Civil Support Group of the Montana National Guard would be training on the North Fork along with cooperation of local state and federal agencies. At that time I did not know the level of that “cooperation.”

Included in the training exercise was the entire Flathead County Type 3 Team headed up by Sheriff Mike Meehan. The entire team is extremely talented and involves some exceptionally talented members. North Forkers would recognize Lynn Ogle, Gary Mahugh and Rick Trembath from fire emergencies dating from Red Bench in 1988 to Wedge Canyon in 2003. They are representative of the entire Type 3 Team which is not only talented, but also well trained, experienced and intelligent. Key to their operation is support and involvement of Flathead County office of Emergency Services.

Also represented was the Border Patrol, FBI, Forest Service and no doubt, others I didn’t see.

Additional good news from the Interlocal was information from Tim Their from Montana Fish & Game, that bighorn sheep and mountain goats may return to the North Fork by means of a transplant program. Mountain goats have the best likelihood of being placed on Stryker Ridge with adequate habitat to expand their numbers.

Less likely, but still possible, is planting bighorn sheep on Teakettle Mountain just north of Columbia Falls. The habitat is OK but proximity of domestic sheep and goats may prevent the transplant.

The Border Grizzly Project met at Sondreson Meadow to honor the 80th birthday of founder Dr. Charles Jonkel. Chuck first came to the North Fork to conduct a black bear study and then later to lead the University of Montana grizzly bear study.

Then, as now, the big bear was controversial and Chuck and I had several heavy duty discussions and debates. Somehow, in the process we became friends. This week he told me I was a worthy opponent. I should have told him he was a great teacher. He never lectures you on his opinion or conclusions. He only gives you the facts and forces you to think and come to your own conclusions.

His son, Jamie, is also a bear manager in the Ovando area and every bear management expert in Montana has been influenced by Chuck Jonkel. That is quite a legacy and I wish him well, even if I didn’t always reach the same conclusions he did.

The Census Bureau bothered me again this week. Some neighbors have been harassed by them more than 10 times. They completely botched their first handout last spring and are working hard to prove to everyone that they have no idea what they are doing. With me, they have succeeded! Never before have I talked to federal employees who knew so little, were following stupider directions from their superiors. They are wasting every dollar we are paying them to collect information which has no meaning and is contradictory as well as stupid.

What do you think?

P.S. The Weed Committee will host a meeting at 9:30 a.m. at Sondreson Hall on July 26. The morning will be weed pulling followed by a free lunch and afternoon educational program. Everyone is welcome.