Welcoming new FWP biologist

OVANDO - The new Region 2 Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Biologist Mike Ebinger was eager to come to the Blackfoot-Clearwater Region when the job opened. The reputation the Blackfoot area has as a leader for community-based collaboration on stewardship issues caught his attention. He replaces Scott Eggeman, who left FWP in fall 2021.

Ebinger said time spent hunting and fishing while growing up in Michigan, coupled with an affinity for animals, guided him to study Resource Ecology in college. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan. Desiring to get involved with wildlife management, Ebinger got a master's degree in Fish and Wildlife Management from Montana State University in 2016. 

Ebinger's wildlife career began with working for the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST) in the greater Yellowstone Ecosystem for seven years. The IGBST is a team of many agencies. Ebinger said it gave him hands-on experience working collaboratively. After the IGBST, his FWP biologist career began in February 2021 with Region 1 in Thompson Falls.

Transferring to Region 2 and the Blackfoot-Seeley Lake area appealed to Ebinger because of the incredible legacy the area has of people working together.

"This area has a diverse group of people working together for public resources," said Ebinger.

Ebinger said that it is fun and rewarding to work through issues with the public. He plans to spend the summer getting acquainted with sportsmen and landowners. Mutual trust and respect can be earned by listening to the issues and challenges, said Ebinger. 

"I consider myself a public servant, managing wildlife for the sake of the public," said Ebinger. "The wildlife is owned by the public and we have to manage it for everyone."

Ebinger is available to talk by phone 406-210-3479, email michael.ebinger@mt.gov or at his office at Lake Upsata FWP Headquarters.

 

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