Wildlife conservation groups are cautiously optimistic about a new U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service habitat conservation plan and incidental take permit covering BNSF Railway Company trains on 206 miles of track through grizzly bear habitat in the Northern Continental Divide (NCDE) recovery zone in Montana. Trains operated by BNSF or on its tracks caused deaths of 75 grizzlies between 1975 and 2023. After trains killed three grizzlies in 2023, the groups listed here sued the company for not having an approved plan and permit.
Grizzlies are primarily attracted to railbeds by spilled grain, fruiting shrubs, succulent vegetation, and carrion. Under the new plan, BNSF will use a “rapid response protocol” to quickly remove any grain spills or carrion; inspect grain cars for leaks and set out any leaking cars; manage vegetation in the right-of-way to reduce attractants; and fund fencing to prevent livestock from accessing sections of the railbed. BNSF will also fund three new grizzly technicians to reduce human/grizzly conflicts throughout the NCDE. The plan will remain in effect for seven years, irrespective of whether the Trump administration strips grizzly bears of Endangered Species Act protections.
“We are encouraged BNSF seeks to prevent its trains from killing more grizzlies,” said Pete Frost, attorney at the Western Environmental Law Center.
In 2022, 1,138 grizzlies inhabited the Northern Continental Divide recovery zone. On average, 29-34 freight trains and two Amtrak trains operate on the railway through the NCDE every 24 hours. Under the new permit, trains may take 19 grizzlies, including 9 females, within the seven-year period.
“The BNSF railway runs right alongside Glacier National Park, some of the most prime grizzly habitat in the world, so we are hopeful risks to grizzlies will be lessened,” said Erik Molvar of Western Watersheds Project. “We are disappointed, however, that speed reductions aren’t part of BNSF’s conservation package. The railroad slows down for human safety, and ought to do that for grizzly safety as well.”
“We are pleased the Service is holding BNSF responsible for operating safely in threatened grizzly bear habitat,” said Lizzy Pennock, carnivore existence attorney at WildEarth Guardians.
Contacts:
Pete Frost, Western Environmental Law Center, 541-543-0018,
gro.1739657485walnr1739657485etsew1739657485@tsor1739657485f1739657485
Erik Molvar, Western Watersheds Project, 307-399-7910, gro.1739657485sdehs1739657485retaw1739657485nrets1739657485ew@ra1739657485vlome1739657485
Lizzy Pennock, WildEarth Guardians, 406-830-8924, gro.s1739657485naidr1739657485aught1739657485raedl1739657485iw@kc1739657485onnep1739657485l1739657485
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