* Branch of Native Fish Management *
The Branch of Native Fish Management (BNFM), Montana FWMAO, became operational in September 1996. The goal of the Branch is to restore populations of imperiled native fishes in Montana, thereby precluding the need to formally list these fish species as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Because management authority for imperiled native fishes not listed under the ESA rests primarily with the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Tribal governments, while the habitats on which these imperiled species depend are largely under the management authority of federal and state land-management agencies, Tribal governments, and private citizens, achievement of this goal requires a cooperative endeavor among many entities. In this regard, the Branch of Native Fish Management contributes technical assistance in the form of expertise, personnel, and equipment. The BNFM personnel work closely with representatives of cooperating agencies and the public.
