Loop Road

Loop proposals traverse important wildlife habitat

Bears

Traverse highly utilized bear habitat

Intersect and fragment highly utilized seasonal movement corridors

MV use displaces bears within 1/3 - 1/2 mile radius

Graves,T.A., 2002, "Spatial and Temporal Response of Grizzly Bears to Recreational Use on Trails"

Elk

Motorized use will push elk onto adjacent private lands

Increased conflict
Landowners may not want them
Hunters have no access

"Influences of roads proved to be more important than any other variable of the elk environment"

Burcham, M.G.; Marcum, C.L.; Lyon, L.J.; Weber, K.T.; and Edge, W.D. 1998, Chamberlain Creek Elk Studies

"Few elk remained in areas near open roads during the hunting season."

Hurley,M.A., 1994, "Summer-Fall Ecology of the Blackfoot-Clearwater Elk Herd"

Elk move out of area within 0.6 mile either side of open roads

Burcham, M.G.; Marcum, C.L.; Lyon, L.J.; Weber, K.T.; and Edge, W.D. 1998, Chamberlain Creek Elk Studies

Note: The above slide was changed from the original presented to the council as follows: