Questions 31-40

Glacier National park in Montana shares boundaries with Canada, an American Indian reservation, and a national forest. Along the North Fork of the Flathead River, the park also borders about 17,000 acres of private lands that are currently used for ranching, timber, and agriculture. This land is an important part of the habitat and migratory routes for several endangered species that frequent the park. These private lands are essentially the only ones available for development in the region.

With encouragement from the park, local landowners initiated a land-use planning effort to guide the future of the North Fork. The park is a partner in an interlocal agreement that calls for resource-managing agencies to work together and with the more than 400 private owners in the area. A draft plan has been prepared, with the objective of maintaining traditional economic uses but limiting new development that would damage park resources. Voluntary action by landowners, in cooperation with the park and the county, is helping to restrict small-lot subdivisions, maintain wildlife corridors, and minimize any harmful impact on the environment.

The willingness of local landowners to participate in this protection effort may have been stimulated by concerns that Congress would impose a legislative solution.

Nevertheless, many local residents want to retain the existing character of the area.

Meetings between park officials and landowners have led to a dramatically improved understanding of all concerns.

31. The passage mainly discusses

(A) the endangered species in Glacier National Park

(B) the protection of lands surrounding Glacier National Park

(C) conservation laws imposed by the state of Montana

(D) conservation laws imposed by Congress

32. Why are the private lands surrounding Glacier National Park so important?

(A) They function as a hunting preserve.

(B) They are restricted to government use.

(C) They are heavily populated.

(D) They contain natural habitats of threatened species.

33. The word "ones" in line 6 refers to

(A) private lands

(B) endangered species

(C) migratory routes

(D) ranching, timber, agriculture

34. The word "initiated" in line 7 is closest in meaning to

(A) started

(B) requested

(C) purchased

(D) considered

35. The relationship between park officials and neighboring landowners may best be described as

(A) indifferent

(B) intimate

(C) cooperative

(D) disappointing

36. It can be inferred from the passage that a major interest of the officials of Glacier National Park is to

(A) limit land development around the park

(B) establish a new Park in Montana

(C) influence national legislation

(D) settle border disputes with Canada

37. In lines 15-16, the author implies that landowners might be responding to environmental concerns for which of the following reasons?

(A) They wish to stimulate economic growth.

(B) They wish to improve their public image.

(C) They have a tradition of cooperating with the government.

(D) They fear federal legislation.

38. The word "stimulated" in line 16 is closest in meaning to

(A) motivated

(B) anticipated

(C) substituted

(D) undermined

39. The word "retain" in line 17 is closest in meaning to

(A) preserve

(B) possess

(C) enjoy

(D) improve

40. Where in the passage does the author mention the purpose of the plan developed by local landowners and park officials?

(A) Lines 1-2

(B) Lines 4-6

(C) Lines 10-14

(D) Lines 15-17