Citizen panel to discuss management of lions in southwest Montana
Whitehall – The new Southwest Lion Ecoregional Population Objective Panel is convening for the first time Oct. 19 and 20 to discuss the management of mountain lions in southwest Montana.
The committee will meet in Whitehall at The Iron Wheel (40 Cedar Hills Road) from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday. The meeting will also be live-streamed and recorded.
The public is invited to participate in the meeting in-person or online. Public input at the beginning of the meeting will set the stage for the panel's multi-day discussions. FWP is seeking public thoughts, ideas and concerns for the panel to consider as they navigate a structured decision-making process that leads to a final panel recommendation.
To join online, see the meeting details at: Southwest Lion Panel webpage. The first opportunity for public comments is scheduled for Oct. 19 at 11 a.m., with another opportunity again Oct. 20 at 3:30 p.m.
This panel consists of seven citizens representing a broad spectrum of mountain lion stakeholders who reside within the southwest mountain lion ecoregion. The panel will meet again in January to discuss management objectives and develop recommendations related to mountain lion populations. The goal is to balance the interests of mountain lion hunters, livestock producers, wildlife enthusiasts and those concerned about impacts on ungulate populations. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will incorporate panel input into harvest recommendations for the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission to consider.
In 2019, the commission adopted the Montana Mountain Lion Monitoring and Management Strategy. This strategy outlines the scientific basis for conserving, monitoring and managing harvest of mountain lions in Montana. An integral part of implementing this new strategy is the formulation of a committee in each of the three western ecoregions.
For more information, visit the Southwest Lion Panel webpage.