Photo courtesy: Methow Valley Citizens Council.
Chelan County commissioners are hosting three community meetings beginning Tuesday night on the potential of the reintroduction of grizzly bears into the north cascades and how best to prepare for their arrival.
On the invitation of county commissioner Tiffany Gering, Montana rancher Trina Jo Bradley, chairwoman of the Montana Conflict Reduction Consortium, will share her experiences about living with wildlife.
You're invited to attend one of the meetings:
6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, September 17 at Beehive Grange, 4593 Squilchuck Road, hosted by District 1 Commissioner Kevin Overbay.
6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, September 18 at Lake Chelan Community Center, 103 Bighorn Way, hosted by District 3 Commissioner Tiffany Gering.
6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, September 19 at Leavenworth Fire Hall, 228 Chumstick Hwy, hosted by District 2 Commissioner Shon Smith.
The Lake Chelan Mirror reported that Bradley knows firsthand the challenges of coexisting with grizzlies. "We constantly have to worry about our own safety and the safety of our livestock," Bradley said. "Generally, we only get a two- to three-month break when the bears are hibernating, and we must be on full alert for the rest of the year."
"Conflict prevention is key to successfully living with grizzly bears and other wildlife," Bradley added. "It doesn't prevent all conflicts, but it is much better to be prepared than it is to try to react to conflicts as they are happening."
Representatives from U.S. Fish and Wildlife and the National Park Service will also attend the meetings to provide an overview of the North Cascades Grizzly Bear Restoration Plan.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has released its annual hunting prospects for the upcoming fall season.
The reports offer detailed insights into field conditions and hunting opportunities for big game, waterfowl, and upland game birds in various areas of Washington.
Hunters are advised to consult the WDFW's annual regulation pamphlets, available online at www. wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations.
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