The groups came to the governor seeking his support in getting the state's Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks more involved in oil and gas development on federal land.
"We're here concerned about the pace of energy development," Bill Geer, policy manager for the Theodoore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, told Schweitzer. "We'd like it done in a manner so something is left after it's done."
The FWP recently filed a protest over federal mineral leases in the vicinity of the Beaverhead River. The fish habitat is sensitive and greater environmental analysis is needed, the agency said.
Geer said they want the governor to let the FWP "speak freely" on such issues as they arise.
Schweitzer said he believes the wildlife groups are seeking the same thing he is: energy development with certain limitations.
"I think we can coexist, but it has to be done right," Schweitzer said.
Schweitzer pointed out that some types of coal-bed methane development appear to be causing problems for sage grouse, which he said are particularly susceptible to West Nile virus carried by mosquitoes that breed in the wastewater ponds. The governor said re-injection of the water is one strategy that could mitigate the problem.
The governor said such issues need to be addressed before they become bigger problems. If the sage grouse population, for instance, declines to the point it becomes endangered then energy development could be halted.
Sportsmen groups also brought the concerns to Washington D.C. Thursday, asking for legislation that will protect wildlife with "responsible" energy development.
Craig Sharpe, with the Montana Wildlife Federation, said it will be important for Schweitzer to "stand behind" the FWP as it gets involved in the issue.
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