Dear friend,

On January 8, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rejected petitions from  Montana and Wyoming to strip federal Endangered Species Act protections from grizzly bears in the Northern Rockies. Unfortunately, the agency also proposed to shrink the area in which grizzlies are protected and to weaken the protections the threatened bears still have. This announcement kicked off a rulemaking process, which includes an important public comment period that runs through March 17.

More than any other animal, the “Great Bear” is the symbol of Wilderness in the Northern Rockies. And now we need YOU to speak up for grizzlies!

On Tuesday, January 28, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is hosting a public hearing in Missoula from 6–8 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 3720 N. Reserve Street. An information session will precede the hearing from 3–5 p.m.

We will send out another alert soon with more information about the proposed rule and public hearing. Grizzly bears are still recovering in the Northern Rockies, and their full protections should remain in place.

On Thursday, January 23, Wilderness Watch and our allies are hosting a workshop in Missoula from 5-7 p.m. at Imagine Nation Brewery, 1151 W. Broadway. We'll discuss the proposed rule, the implications for grizzly bears, and points of emphasis to deliver at the January 28th public hearing. And as a bonus, Imagine Nation will be serving our Wilderness “60” Pale Ale to Wilderness Watch members and supporters at a reduced price.

Feel free to contact me with questions at 406-542-2048, Ext. 1 or 
[email protected].

Thank you for speaking up for grizzly bears—and the Wilderness habitat they need to survive and thrive!