Second, information from the interviews provided better understanding of the breadth of concerns regarding Kodiak brown bear management and helped us expand the list of potential interests that should be involved in developing a management plan. Finally, we were able to learn how important the interested parties believed it was to develop a bear-management plan for Kodiak and when and how such a plan should be developed. The information presented in this document provides insight derived from some key individuals concerned with Kodiak brown bear management. While we believe a breadth of interests are reflected in the problem assessment and recommendations, the qualitative information provided is not necessarily representative of the community at large. Interest groups in this issue are wide ranging, including state and national interests.
Citizens believe it is important that a comprehensive bear-management plan be developed.
It is important that the public have significant and meaningful input into the development of a Kodiak brown bear-management plan. The following four-phase process will guide the development of a Kodiak brown bear management plan. Details of the process are subject to change as necessary. Phase I includes a review of background materials and interviews with citizens to make a thorough assessment of the management environment prior to embarking on a planning process. Phase II involves all activities necessary to organize and convene a committee comprising citizen members whose charge is to develop a Kodiak archipelago brown-bear management plan.