NRCS Bear/Livestock Target Implementation Plan for Teton Co./Lewis and Clark Co. residents
January 1, 2026 @ 8:00 am - December 31, 2028 @ 5:00 pm
Teton Bear Smart would like to draw attention to a great local, federally funded program through NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) for applicants from Lewis and Clark and Teton counties. Applicants, if funded, can get a contract for electric fencing and drive over electric mats. The idea is to reduce conflict by fencing attractants; especially vulnerable livestock, grain bin areas, dead pits or areas around farmsteads that have attractants which cannot be reasonably removed.
The goal of this targeted implementation plan (TIP) is to prevent and minimize human-grizzly bear conflicts in and around working farm and ranch facilities, residences, and headquarters by limiting bear access to anthropogenic attractants and unnatural food sources. Electric fence and electric drive-over mats will be installed to deter grizzly bears from accessing attractants and areas of potential human-grizzly conflict. This effort will result in a reduction in the number of bears involved in complaints and conflict which could reduce the need to relocate or remove grizzly bears. This will also increase safety, encourage natural food sources, and will be more cost-effective conservation.
Applications are due by Jan 15th and can be found at the NRCS office in Choteau, or can be emailed. If interested, please contact amarschner@pheasantsforever.org. Link to the website: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/…/grizzly-bear-mitigation-tip.