See map of this recovery zone

Cabinet-Yaak

On April 18, 2007, the Fish and Wildlife Service announced the initiation of a 5-year review of grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) (as listed in the lower 48 States excluding the Greater Yellowstone Area population) and 8 other species (72 FR 19549). We conducted reviews to ensure that our classification of each species as threatened or endangered on the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants is accurate. A 5-year review is an assessment of the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review.

The Service has issued a non-jeopardy biological opinion regarding the Revett Silver Company's proposed Rock Creek Mine project located in the Kootenai National Forest, Montana within the Cabinet-Yaak ecosystem.  The biological opinion addresses the effect of the proposed mine on grizzly bear and bull trout populations.  The Forest Service determined in their environmental assessment that the project was not likely to result in adverse effects to Canada lynx.  The Service concurred with this assessment and therefore did not address impacts to lynx in this biological opinion.

This non-jeopardy opinion issued to the Forest Service concludes that certain conservation actions incorporated into Rock Creek Mine project plans will offset potential impacts to grizzly bear and bull trout populations.

Grizzly bears were listed as a threatened species in 1975 in the conterminous 48 States.  Currently grizzly bear distribution has been reduced to 5 areas in the western United States, including the Cabinet-Yaak in northern Idaho and northwest Montana.  Populations are estimated to be 30-40 animals within the 2,600 square-mile Cabinet-Yaak recovery zone.

Bull trout, one of the three listed species in the area of the proposed Rock Creek Mine, is listed as a threatened species throughout its range under the Endangered Species Act.

Press Release:  October 13, 2006  Non-Jeopardy Biological Opinion Issued by the USFWS for Proposed Rock Creek Mine
Questions and Answers Regarding Bull Trout
Questions and Answers Regarding Grizzly Bear

Biological Opinion Links

Part A - Grizzly Bear

• Introduction
• Table of Contents
• Biological Opinion
• Appendix A
• Appendix B
• Appendix C
• Appendix D
• Appendix E

Part B - Bull Trout

• Introduction and Table of Contents
• Biological Opinion
• Appendix A
• Appendix B
• Appendix C
• Appendix D
• Appendix E
• Appendix F
• Appendix G
• Appendix H

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