Briefs for May 17, 2023
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Avoid conflicts with wildlife as WMAs open May 15
News from MT Fish, Wildlife and Parks
HELENA — Most of Montana’s 76 Wildlife Management Areas open at noon on May 15. The long winter and heavy snowpack have left a limited area for wildlife to forage. With grizzly bear activity increasing, people visiting WMAs should remain vigilant and practice techniques to avoid surprise encounters.
Bears, elk and shed-antler hunters will be sharing the same space. Most animals see, hear and smell humans long before humans detect the presence of animals. Depending on the distance between the animals and humans, the animals decide whether to stay, defend themselves or flee.
People venturing into the outdoors should “Be Bear Aware” by following these precautionary steps:
— Carry and know how to use bear spray.
— Travel in groups whenever possible and plan to be out in the daylight hours.
— Avoid carcass sites and concentrations of ravens and other scavengers.
— Watch for signs of bears such as bear scat, diggings, torn-up logs and turned over rocks, and partly consumed animal carcasses.
— Make noise, especially near streams or in thick forest where hearing and visibility is impaired. This can be the key to avoiding encounters. Most bears will avoid humans when they know humans are present.
— Don’t approach a bear.
For more information on recreating in Montana’s bear country, visit the FWP Bear Aware website at: fwp.mt.gov/be-bear-aware.
Apply for USDA’s Organic Transition Initiative in Montana
News from NRCS
BOZEMAN — The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Montana is accepting applications for the Organic Transition Initiative. This initiative dedicates financial and technical assistance to a new organic management standard. NRCS accepts applications year-round, but applications for the current funding cycle must be submitted by June 8, 2023.
NRCS will dedicate $70 million nationwide to assist producers with a new organic management standard under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). NRCS will help producers adopt the new organic management standard, which allows flexibility for producers to get the assistance and support they need. It supports conservation practices required for organic certification.
Higher payment rates and other options are available for underserved producers including socially disadvantaged, beginning, veteran, and limited resource farmers and ranchers.
Eligible producers include farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, and other producers beginning or in the process of transitioning to organic certification.
To apply, and for more information on EQIP, please contact your local NRCS Field Office. You can also get more information about the Organic Transition Initiative at: farmers.gov/organic.
