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In the 6 recovery zones identified in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's recovery plan for the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos), the Bitterroot Ecosystem of central Idaho and western Montana is the only one that no longer retains even a remnant grizzly population. With >6 million acres of unoccupied habitat, most of it designated as wilderness, the Bitterroot Ecosystem presents a unique recovery opportunity-the chance to expand bear numbers and range in the continental United States by nearly one-third, with potential for eventually linking existing bear populations in northwestern Montana and Yellowstone. We describe the Bitterroot recovery planning process to date and highlight a new, collaborative approach to grizzly recovery being promoted by several conservation and forest industry organizations. The centerpiece of this new approach is citizen participation and control in recovery decision-making. If successful, this citizen-driven approach will reduce polarization, save money, restore grizzly bears, and provide an important new model for solving contentious endangered species problems.