Grizzly conservation talk set for Jan. 14

Progress in grizzly bear conservation for western Montana will be discussed with Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks research biologist Dr. Richard Mace at the Flathead Audubon’s meeting on Jan. 14.

The grizzly bear has been listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act from 1975 to the present day. Mace will update members on where Montana is at regarding delisting of the species with his presentation “30 years of grizzly bear conservation in western Montana: progress toward recovery.”

Mace has worked with grizzly bears in Montana since 1976 and is the principal researcher for grizzly bear population monitoring in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem. He lives in the lower Flathead Valley and holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Montana and a Ph.D. from Sweden.

During his presentation he will also trace the history of grizzly bear conservation efforts in the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem in western Montana. These conservation efforts have been a hallmark for success for such a species as challenging as the grizzly bear.

Audubon meets on Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. in the United Way Conference Room at the Gateway Community Center on US Highway 2 West in Kalispell. The Conference Room is accessed from the parking lot on the west side of the center. The program is free and everyone is welcome.