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January jobs report: Unemployment rate falls to 4%, wages rise more than forecast; Trump signs order imposing sanctions on International Criminal Court over investigations of Israel; Ten Commandments in public schools debate reaches South Dakota; Virginia ranks among worst states for wage theft; Mexican long-nosed bat makes appearance in Arizona.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi strikes a Trump tone at the Justice Department, federal workers get more time to consider buyouts, and an unclassified email request from the White House worries CIA vets.

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During Black History Month, a new book shares how a unique partnership built 5,000 schools for Black students, anti-hunger advocates say ag communities would benefit from an expanded SNAP program, and Americans have $90 billion in unpaid medical bills.

Feds propose plan to return grizzlies in ID's Bitterroots

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Wednesday, March 6, 2024   

Grizzly bears could make a comeback in Idaho's Bitterroots under proposed plans from the federal government.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has opened its potential recovery plans for public comment. Grizzlies have recovered in two other parts of the West, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and North Continental Divide Ecosystem.

Jeff Abrams, wildlife program associate for the Idaho Conservation League, said it has not yet happened in the Bitterroots.

"Allowing them to move from these recovery zones that have seen these successes into a huge swath of the country that hasn't, and Idahoans in particular are in a place to be helpful in those conversations," Abrams asserted.

The Bitterroot Recovery Zone identified by the Fish and Wildlife Service covers about 6,000 square miles in central Idaho and a sliver of Montana. The public comment period for the plan is open through March 18.

The Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed four alternatives for restoration: active reintroduction of grizzlies, natural recolonization, facilitating connectivity with other recovery zones or no action. Abrams said his organization favors a combination of natural recolonization and facilitating connectivity. But grizzly protections have been controversial in the region, with some saying enough bears already thrive there.

Abrams noted part of the recovery efforts will involve conflict management.

"Educating communities about bears being nearby, about bears potentially using habitat that folks like to recreate in, and how we can do that responsibly and safely is all part of the discussion," Abrams emphasized.

Abrams added it will take bold action to bring grizzlies back to the region.

"We can definitely develop a tenable plan for the Bitterroot with the right mix of vision, of leadership, and courage, which is what it's going to take, and the bears themselves have shown that this can be done," Abrams contended.

Disclosure: The Idaho Conservation League contributes to our fund for reporting on Energy Policy, Environment, and Public Lands/Wilderness. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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