Wildlife Biologist, Present and Future

Steve Knapp, Habitat Bureau Chief, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks

First and foremost, the wildlife biologist is an advocate.  An advocate for wildlife habitat and the wildlife it produces.  In order to be an advocate, the biologist must have the following characteristics:  knowledge, enthusiasm, and courage.

The biologist must have a thorough understanding of ecological principles and interactions between soil, vegetation and wildlife.  This means the biologist must be focused on HABITAT.

The biologist is primarily a problem solver.  This is critical, since wildlife and its habitat is often a secondary concern of landowners, both private and public.

In order for the FWP wildlife biologist of the future to function as an advocate and problem solver in a knowledgeable and enthusiastic manner, leadership

must unburden the biologist of unrelenting demands.  The biologist must, through the spoken and written word - but mostly through action - instill in all the importance of knowing it is the land that produces wildlife.

This is accomplished through concentrating on the use of resources that effect the land, i.e. Habitat Montana; the Farm Bill; Upland Game Bird Habitat Enhancement Program; Duck Stamp; BPA mitigation program; Forest Legacy; private land trusts and conservation groups; land use plans and laws effecting land use and its taxation.

Ultimately, it will be how effectively the land is managed, not hunting seasons, that will determine the quality, variety and quality of wildlife populations in Montana.