July 14, 2000 Missoulian article by John Stromnes: McDonald Peak closing for annual grizzly use.
PABLO - Hiking, horse travel and backpacking access into the McDonald Peak area of the Mission Mountains Tribal Wilderness will be barred as of Saturday, and remain closed until Oct. 1, because of seasonal grizzly bear activity.
Richard Janssen, information and education specialist with Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, said the closure will ensure human safety and allow grizzly bears to use the area during a key feeding time.
The bears have historically gathered in this area because of ladybugs and army cutworm moths that concentrate there in July, August and September.
The area closed is from Post. Creek South to the divide between Ashley and Mission Creeks from the western edge of the tribal wilderness to the Mission Divide.
Included in the closed areas are Ashley, Duncan, Ice Flow, Lake of the Clouds, Cliff, Disappointment and First lakes.
The closure does not include McDonald Lake, Summit Lake, Eagle Pass and other trails and lakes.
CAG Comment
It seems a shame the grizzly bears are given unmolested access to ladybugs in the Missions in view of the fact that next year's birch and maple trees may be inundated with mites and aphids due to the ladybugs' eradication by grizzly bears.
Just another reason for not introducing, reintroducing grizzly bears into the Selway Bitterroot Ecosystem [SBE] Save the Birch and Maple trees stress and lessen Bear Human Conflicts.
End CAG Comment