Record of Decision and Statement of Findings for the Environmental Impact Statement on Grizzly Bear Recovery in the Bitterroot Ecosystem

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a Record of Decision (ROD) and Statement of Findings upon consideration of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Recovery of the Grizzly Bear in the Bitterroot Ecosystem.  The Service considered alternatives and evaluated their impacts for the recovery of the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) in the Bitterroot Ecosystem of east central Idaho and western Montana as presented in the FEIS. We solicited public and agency comments and considered those comments in the NEPA process and in making our decision.  Based on that evaluation and review, the Service decided to implement the Proposed Action Alternative as described in the FEIS.  This determination was based on a thorough analysis of environmental, social, economic, and other considerations.