On wolves, grizzlies, outhouses and bull trout

In the past, agencies have been severely criticized when they released population estimates for grizzlies and wolves. Their numbers were, and are, based on actual known animals plus a minimum (conservative estimate) of additional animals.

Over time, as more information has been acquired by researchers, the numbers have risen to the point that the wolf has been removed from the endangered species list, and it appears that the grizzly will be soon.

Even so, I was surprised at the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks estimates for the current wolf population provided at the recent Interlocal meeting.

It seems likely that despite the recent hunting season and the currently ongoing trapping season, that the wolf population will rise in 2013 statewide. For sure, there will be no impact on the North Fork. The quota here was two, and so far only one has been taken.

Although most reports indicate that the small quota on the North Fork was in deference to Glacier National Park, Tim Their of FWP noted that there were also other factors involved in the decision. Chief among them was the fact that the North Fork has been a major travel corridor for wolves dispersing from British Columbia.

The Glacier View-Hungry Horse district ranger, Rod Davies, who recently replaced long-time district ranger Jimmy DeHerrera, who recently retired, seems like a nice guy and I am sure he is competent.

Although Jimmy D was often bombarded with concerns, the new ranger escaped the meeting unscathed — but I got him aside after the formal meeting ended with my personal concerns.

Number one is the need for outhouses at Sondreson Meadow, a popular boat launch site and camping area. The Forest Service continues to maintain that because it’s inside the Wild and Scenic River Corridor that their hands are tied and the best they can do is put up educational signs and, maybe, put in a toilet just outside the half-mile limit.

Currently there are outhouses at the Canada Border, Ford launch site, Polebridge, Big Creek Campground, Great Northern Flats and maybe even Glacier Rim. All of these are in the Wild and Scenic Corridor, and most were constructed after the corridor was established. The major exception is Big Creek Campground, which is now a fee facility for camping or even launching a boat. Forgive me if I don’t buy the argument about the Wild and Scenic River regulations.

Same thing with Glacier Park’s info about air and water quality. The folks in charge mostly claimed ignorance and had very little solid information. Given the importance, I would think the National Park Service would be leaders in monitoring both air and water quality.

Bull trout news was good compared to recent years. “Fur, Fins, & Feathers” reports that the nests (redds) have remained stable. It is not possible for bull trout to ever recover to the levels of the 1950s, but I hope we will be able to maintain a few in the North Fork River with the lake trout and whitefish.

Several people who have cabins close to the Canada Border came to ask the Border Patrol some questions, but the newest signatory to the Interlocal was not in attendance. The new agent-in-charge, Kip Stratton, has made a favorable impression on North Fork locals, and if anyone has questions they can call him at the Whitefish Station. I’m sure he will be responsive.