Develop products that can be used for statewide marten monitoring and management, including 1) a statewide habitat model, 2) a statewide assessment of the distribution of both marten species, and 3)…

The Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service Region 6 awarded a $868,519 Formula Grant under the Wildlife Restoration and Basic Hunter Education and Safety program (CFDA 15.611) to the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Division. The purpose of this 5-year grant, effective July 1, 2023, is to develop statewide tools and methodologies for marten monitoring and management, including:

1. Updating and refining a statewide habitat model for marten;
2. Analyzing genetic samples to assess the statewide distribution of both marten species; and
3. Developing an occupancy monitoring methodology and framework with statewide implications.

Through a sub-award to Montana State University, the grant will support further research and analysis to achieve these objectives, which will enable Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks to design and implement effective management actions for marten, including translocation efforts and occupancy monitoring to inform harvest management.

Develop products that can be used for statewide marten monitoring and management, including 1) a statewide habitat model, 2) a statewide assessment of the distribution of both marten species, and 3) development of an occupancy monitoring methodology and framework with statewide implications. When the project is completed, montana fish, wildlife and parks will have the necessary tools to design and implement management actions for marten, including translocation efforts and occupancy monitoring to inform harvest management.