Our Savior Lutheran Preschool of Stevensville is taking registrations for the three-year-old class. Teacher Karen McHale and her students would welcome new friends as together they read new books, make new treasures, discover new facts, pursue new adventures. If you and your three-year-old have Tuesday and Thursday mornings free, call 777-5625 for more information.

Correction

In the story on Suncee Perry and her t-shirt sale, the cost of the auditorium seats was incorrect. The cost is $600 for one seat or $1,000 for two. The Star apologizes for the error.

TGRF grant cycle deadline

The Greater Ravalli Foundation wishes to announce the deadline for the grant cycle ending December 15. This process expedites funding requests to benefit the youth of Ravalli County. Deadlines for submission of grant applications for consideration are: March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15. Current cycle grant applications may be obtained on line at www.tgrf.org. Completed application should be emailed to: adminassist@stockfarm.com or faxed to 375-1889 by December 15, 2007.

Financial support is limited to the growth and development of Ravalli County's school children K-12, addressing four specific areas: basic essentials of daily life in the Bitterroot educational facilities, supplies and grassroots programs; scholarships for all levels of academic ability; sustenance, such as winter clothing, hot meals and other food programs; and various capital line items as they arise, such as cafeteria equipment and extracurricular program needs.

Be Active Bitterroot prizes

Did you participate in "Be Active Bitterroot - Your Passport to Fun and Fitness" during 2007? If you participated in three or more Be Active Bitterroot activities during 2007, bring your passport booklet to the Bitterroot National Forest office at 1801 N. First Street in Hamilton, show your passport stamps and receive a participation award - a "Get Fit With Us" water bottle or fanny pack.

New report identifies bird species at greatest risk

Forty of the bird species that Audubon and the American Bird Conservancy (ABC) have identified as in need of immediate conservation attention spend at least part of the year in Montana. They are included on WatchList 2007, the newest and most scientifically sound list of Americaís birds at greatest risk. These species are often rare and limited in range; consequently, they face a more imminent threat of extinction. Conservation efforts in Montana as well as nationally will play a critical role in determining their future.

The continental WatchList is based on a comprehensive analysis of population size and trends, distribution, and environmental threats, and has received extensive scientific review. The 59 species on the "red list" represent species of greatest concern, and another 119 species merit inclusion on the "yellow list" due to their rarity or severe population declines. Species found on either list demand immediate conservation attention while there is still time to save them.

"All of us in Montana have an opportunity and responsibility to help protect our birds at greatest risk - including the Greater Sage-Grouse and Trumpeter Swan," said Steve Hoffman, Montana Audubon's Executive Director. "We need conservation action now, while there is still time - and the WatchList helps focus that action where we need it most."

The new Audubon/ABC WatchList is based on the latest available data from the Christmas Bird Count and annual Breeding Bird Surveys, along with other research and assessment from the scientific and bird conservation communities. The data were analyzed and weighted according to methods developed through extensive scientific peer review, yielding an improved assessment of actual peril that can be used to determine bird conservation priorities and funding.

In Montana, 22 of the 40 species (55%) listed on the 2007 WatchList require wetlands or streamside habitats, and another nine species (22%) are grassland-dependent. Three species are restricted to sagebrush habitats, and two species prefer Ponderosa pine forests. The remaining four species inhabit coniferous forests, alpine or pinyon-juniper habitats.

Some of the listed species may seem unfamiliar to many Montanans. Priority WatchList species found in Montana include:

• Greater Sage-Grouse. This widespread game bird is threatened primarily by loss of sagebrush habitat. Heavy livestock grazing, global warming, recent introduction of the West Nile virus, invasion of exotic plants and fragmentation of sagebrush habitat due to agricultural expansion and energy development are the most significant threats facing the species in Montana. Long-term, range-wide declines have fueled proposals for federal listing of the species under the Endangered Species Act. Montana Audubon and American Bird Conservancy are working to identify sagebrush conservation opportunities, incorporate bird habitat needs in energy facility siting guidelines, and ensure that conservation efforts benefit not only the Greater Sage-Grouse, but other WatchList species that depend upon sagebrush habitats (e.g. Brewer's Sparrow).

• Trumpeter Swan. Trumpeter Swan populations have recovered from the critically low numbers of the early 1900's, but Montana is one of the few states still supporting natural populations of this threatened species. Trumpeters historically bred throughout much of western Montana; now they are found only along the Rocky Mountain Front and in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. American Bird Conservancy (ABC) has worked with a number of partners to help secure North American Wetland Conservation Act funding to protect key swan habitats in the Centennial and Madison Valleys. Reintroduction of swans in the Blackfoot and Flathead Valleys will require persistent efforts to protect and restore suitable wetlands for pioneering nesting pairs, and ABC continues to work with local land trusts to achieve this goal. Montana Audubon has identified critical nesting and wintering sites for Trumpeter Swans as part of its Important Bird Area (IBA) program.

• Long-billed Curlew. This species is listed as "Highly Imperiled" in the North American Shorebird Conservation Plan, and has shown significant range-wide declines as native grassland habitat is converted to other uses. Fragmentation of the remaining large blocks of grassland habitat in Montana remains a significant threat to this species. Long-term survival will depend on protection of these areas (such as the Rocky Mountain Front) and livestock grazing management that provides grassland in the proper condition for nesting. American Bird Conservancy has worked closely with The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serviceís Partners for Wildlife Program to delineate important curlew habitat on private lands along the Rocky Mountain Front, and to protect important sites in the Madison and Big Hole Valleys. Montana Audubonís IBA program has identified a number of critical nesting sites for the curlew, including extensive grasslands in northern Valley County.

• Flammulated Owl. This tiny migratory owl depends on mature stands of ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir with open, shrubby understory near grassland edges. It continues to lose habitat to residential development on the fringes of Montana's western valleys, and as a result of crown fires in pine stands that have grown thick with young Douglas-fir. Restoration of pine stands by thinning, providing snags for nesting, and by maintaining grass/shrub areas for the owl's insect prey have great potential to reduce fire risk and increase habitat for this species. American Bird Conservancy's recent survey work in the Bitterroot Valley has expanded the known range of the owl in Montana, and identified key private land parcels for habitat enhancement efforts and long-term protection. In addition, the University of Montana's Avian Science Center has been organizing a network of volunteers to conduct Flammulated Owl playback surveys in likely habitat across portions of western Montana.

• Lewis's Woodpecker. This species, first discovered by Lewis and Clark near Helena, has declined throughout its range. Like the Flammulated Owl, it prefers large snags for nesting in pine forests, as well as old cottonwood trees in riparian areas, where it must now compete for nest sites with the European Starling. Mature cottonwood stands along our rivers continue to be lost to agricultural activities and residential development. The Bitterroot River IBA (from Lolo to Hamilton), recently identified by Montana Audubon, is home to more than 40 nesting pairs of Lewis's Woodpeckers.

• Williamson's Sapsucker. The Williamson's Sapsucker inhabits mainly mature and old-growth Ponderosa pine forests, and aspen to a lesser extent. All these forest types have declined across the Montana landscape. They will often use open, harvested timber stands, but it is unknown whether nesting success is high enough in these areas to sustain populations. ABC has been working to build a west-side cavity-nester initiative to address the needs of this and other WatchList species dependent on standing dead trees. Montana Audubon is working to identify key habitats (called "Important Bird Areas") for this and other WatchList species in Montana so these areas can be prioritized for conservation action.

• Mountain Plover. Mountain Plovers are entirely dependent on shortgrass prairie for breeding, and have experienced habitat loss and population declines throughout their range, in part due to severe declines in prairie dog colonies (which provide ideal habitat conditions for nesting plovers). The Montana population is now estimated to be fewer than 1500 birds. Protection and enhancement of large blocks of native prairie and restoration of prairie dog colonies will be required to maintain or increase Mountain Plover populations.

• Calliope Hummingbird. Western Montana is a stronghold for North America's smallest bird, which has shown significant population declines. The causes for these declines are unknown. The species requires healthy riparian or montane shrubland habitats for nesting. Noxious weed infestations may be reducing feeding habitat at critical times of the year for this species.

• Black Swift. A highly specialized, poorly known bird, the Black Swift nests behind waterfalls and raises a single chick each year. Based on recent surveys, Glacier National Park and the surrounding area is a key nesting area in Montana for this rare species. Climate change and its effect on glacier-fed waterfalls will most likely have a profound impact on the swift. A more thorough inventory of potential nesting sites is needed, although recent surveys by Montana Audubon and American Bird Conservancy found the first new nest sites in over 40 years, and confirmed occupancy of a traditional nest site in the Mission Mountains.

• Baird's Sparrow. As one of the myriad of grassland bird species that have shown significant long-term declines, the Baird's Sparrow depends on large blocks of lightly-grazed native bunchgrass prairie for nesting. Northeastern Montana is within the core of the species range. Protection of Baird's Sparrow habitat in Montana will help meet the needs of two other WatchList species, the Sprague's Pipit and Chestnut-collared Longspur.

• Piping Plover. The Piping Plover has suffered population and habitat losses throughout its range, primarily due to disturbance and development of its preferred beach nesting habitat. It is listed as a Threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The species' preferred nesting habitat in Montana includes gravel bars along the lower reaches of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers, and large alkali prairie wetlands in northeastern Montana.

• Interior Least Tern. The Least Tern has suffered both habitat and population losses throughout its range in North America, primarily due to recreational impacts and development of its preferred nesting habitat. The Interior Least Tern is listed as an endangered subspecies by the US Fish & Wildlife Service, due to declines throughout the Mississippi River drainage. Riverine nesting populations are susceptible to nest flooding, and have lost habitat to dams and development. In some areas reservoirs have created suitable beach-nesting habitat. Least Terns in Montana are restricted to the east and northeast along the Missouri River, the lower reaches of the Yellowstone River, islands in Fort Peck Reservoir, and in the Medicine Lake-Plentywood area. In most years the highest numbers of terns nesting (as many as >100) are found on the Missouri below Fort Peck, with lesser numbers on the Yellowstone River below Miles City.

• Willow Flycatcher. In other portions of the arid West the (Southwestern) Willow Flycatcher has been listed as an endangered species, due primarily to habitat loss and parasitism by cowbirds. Montana populations have not decreased to the same extent, but are susceptible to the same effects of habitat degradation and cowbirds in landscapes dominated by livestock production. ABC and Montana Audubon have been working with private ranches, land trusts, state and federal agencies and local watershed groups to restore riparian shrublands and through fencing, planting and grazing agreements.

Unlike those on Audubon's recent list of Common Birds in Decline, the WatchList species are often rare and limited in range.

For the complete WatchList, and information on how to help, visit www.audubon.org. To learn more about Montana Audubon's work protecting these and other species, visit www.mtaudubon.org.

Montana Audubon promotes appreciation, knowledge and conservation of native birds, other wildlife and their habitats. Founded in 1976, Montana Audubon has steadily built effective statewide programs in public policy, education and conservation. The organization works closely with nine community-based chapters to ensure that all native birds in Montana have healthy, sustainable populations and long-term protection of their natural habitats. The American Bird Conservancy works to conserve native wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. ABC acts to safeguard the rarest bird species, restore habitats, and reduce threats, while building capacity in the conservation movement. ABC, a membership organization, is consistently awarded a top, four-star rating by the independent group, Charity Navigator.

AARP Tax-Aide seeks volunteers

A hot, dry summer and multiple wildfires can mean bear trouble. Trouble for bears and trouble with bears. During this time of year bears are vacating the high elevations and searching for food and relief in lower elevation river valleys-areas where we live and play. With backyard bear encounters on the rise over the past few weeks and hunting season openers right around the corner, now is the time to remember a few important tips on living and recreating with bears.

The good news is that bears’ natural food sources of are plentiful this year. Chokecherries, hawthorns, rosehip, berry wood, dogwood, wild plum and other food of choice for bears are filling our river valleys and lining the sides of creeks. The bad news is that if bears can find an easier food source first (like an unsecured garbage can), then can easily be distracted from the berry crop and stop to snack on last night’s pizza leftovers.

Once bears become dependent on neighborhood food sources, the behavior is hard to alter and the bears often have to be relocated. An animal that returns time and again after it is relocated is considered a threat to public safety and may have to be euthanized.

So what can you do? Put away pet food, clean dirty barbecue grills, and store garbage in bear-resistant garbage cans or in a secure building. Fruit trees can also attract bears - pick fruit as soon as it is ripe and keep the ground under the trees fruit-free. Take down bird feeders or hang them well away from their house and out of a bear’s reach, which means at least 15 feet up and four feet out from the nearest tree or building. Adding a catch plate underneath the feeder to keep bird seed from dropping to the ground is also a good idea. Limit compost piles to grass, leaves, and garden clippings. Kitchen scraps should be composted indoors, where they are away from a bear’s reach and smell, before adding them to garden soil.

Although we still spot bears in our neighborhoods, the number of bear conflicts has been decreasing over the past few years. Homeowners and communities are starting to create bear-resistant environments. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) bear specialist, Jamie Jonkel, says that a lot more people are remembering the tips on living in bear country and keeping their backyard goodies inside or out of reach. As long as we keep bear attractants away, bears will keep relying on natural food sources and we’ll have fewer human safety concerns and less bears that have to be relocated.

The upcoming hunting season is another reason to be in tune to bear activity in the valleys. While we are out searching for deer and elk, black bears and grizzlies are hunting for moist grasses, plants and berries. As Jonkel puts it, where you see berries, expect bears.

Jonkel reminds hunters to pay attention to fresh bear sign, such as tracks and scat. Hunters should avoid going alone when possible and let someone know their detailed plans. Carrying bear pepper spray throughout the hunt (and making sure you know how to use it before you go) is also important. After making the kill, get the carcass out of the area as quickly as possible. When field dressing the carcass, keep your can of bear pepper spray within easy reach. Use special precautions if you must leave and then return to a carcass, including placing the carcass where it can be easily observed from a distance to make sure it is clear of bears before entering the area. Never frighten or haze a grizzly that is near or feeding on a carcass, Jonkel says.

The best time to plan for how to react to a bear encounter at close range is long before the encounter occurs, and there are a lot of materials available to help you prepare. Contact FWP at 542-5500 to request a brochure on “How to Hunt Safely in Grizzly Country,” or visit the >FWP website at fwp.mt.gov and click on Be Bear Aware.

Obituaries

Judith Evelyn Chidwick
1940-2007

Judith Evelyn "Judy" Chidwick, 67, newly to Stevensville and the Florence area, passed away on Sunday, November 25, 2007 in her home in Florence after a brief battle with cancer.

She was born on August 20, 1940 in Pasadena, CA to John and Margaret Chandler. Judy lived all but the last five months of her life on the central coast of California. She attended Santa Maria High School and spent two years at Chapman College in Orange, CA where she trained for dental assisting. She moved to Santa Barbara, CA in 1961 to work for Dr. Jack Wilson.

On December 22, 1963, Judy and Tom Chidwick, also of Santa Barbara, were married. The couple lived there until they moved to Nipomo, CA in 1998 where they resided until moving to Stevensville in June, 2007.

Judy enjoyed gardening and took great pleasure in the beauty of creation. In their later years she and Tom took vacations to Hawaii, Alaska, Canada and Israel. She was very active at Trinity Baptist Church in Santa Barbara and at Grace Bible Church in Arroyo Grande where she served as a deaconess and as a volunteer to pray for church services.

She gave life and love generously to her family and friends, whose feelings she cared about deeply. Her greatest joy was serving others, behind the scenes, without ever needing recognition.

She is survived by her loving husband and their three children: Tom Jr. (Karen) of Vancouver, WA, Andrew (Sherry) of Stevensville and Ruth of Vancouver, BC and four grandchildren: Thomas III, Ben, Tano and Elliana.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 1 at Lone Rock Bible Church with Pastor Jim Carlson officiating. Burial was at Sunnyside Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial donations to Bitterroot Valley Young Life, P.O. Box 602, Stevensville or to Angiosarcoma Research at the Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW, Attn: Dept of Development, Rochester MN 55905.

The Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville was in charge of arrangements.

Jane Scott
1930-2007

Jane Scott, 77, of Stevensville, died at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula on Wednesday, November 28, 2007. She was born on May 7, 1930 in Jackson Hole, WY to Robert and Florence Burns.

As a young girl she lived with her family in Jackson Hole and attended primary school there. In 1942 she moved to South Eastern Idaho where she finished school and met the man of her dreams, Leroy Scott. The couple married on November 10, 1947. They had five children: Lynda, Dave, Julie, Robert Mark and Jennifer.

In 1963 Jane and her family moved to Wenatchee, WA where they lived until 1993, when Jane and Leroy retired to the Bitterroot Valley. Jane enjoyed her family more than anything. She loved spending time with Leroy and her children. She had 17 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Jane was a member of the Florence Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Her son Dave, preceded her in death.

Funeral services were held at the Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville on Saturday, December 1. Burial followed at Sunnyside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, gifts or memorials may be made in Jane's name to Kathy's Place, 466 Hidden Valley St., Florence MT 59833.

Alice Marie Bryant
1919-2007

Alice Marie Bryant, 88, of Hamilton passed away Saturday, December 8, 2007 at the home of her niece Joanna and Don Eckhardt.

Alice was born January 19, 1919 in Phoenix, Arizona to the late Frank and Florence Parker Burris. Her family moved to California when she was a young girl. She later met and married William “Bill” Bryant. She and Bill moved to Montana in 1971. They bought a small ranch on Skalkaho Road, they loved the Bitterroot Valley.

Alice and Bill were married 47 years when Bill passed away in 1986.

Alice is survived by her nieces and nephews Joanna and Don Eckhardt, Ellen Prosser, Betty Baxter, and Clinton Eckhardt, all of Hamilton, Donald Eckhardt II of Helena, and Tom Souther of California.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the Daly-Leach Chapel.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 14 at the Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton with Pastor Alvin House officiating. Interment will follow at Lone Pine Cemetery in Darby beside her beloved husband.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to MDM Hospice of the Bitterroot Endowment Fund, 1200 Westwood Dr., Hamilton MT 59840.

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