Author: Brian L. Horejsi

Abstract: Over 40 years of radio telemetry results, and 25 years of monitoring the historical performance of grizzly bear populations in the west, have provided significant clues to the response of grizzly bears and bear populations to human and industrial activity. An important part of this history have been land use measures implemented to protect habitat and populations.

The scientific basis for these measures, and the thresholds and management standards that have been derived from research and management results, are examined and evaluated. A long history of cumulative human, industrial and agricultural impacts are making it increasingly difficult for Grizzly bears in the Castle-Waterton Region to avoid conflict, and even contact, with humans. And for bears, conflict and contact with humans very often means death. As part of a project intended to provide a recovery plan for grizzly bears in the Castle - Waterton region, the status of land use and management in the area has been assessed relative to the thresholds and standards believed necessary to ensure the long term viability of grizzly bear populations.The project is assessing grizzly bear habitat, population, and human land use in the area, and will recommend the changes in management, including the protection of core habitat, that will be needed to ensure the recovery and viability of the grizzly population, and, by extension, other species like the gray wolf, fisher and wolverine that benefit from roadless habitat.