Ron Poertner of Winifred, wrote an opinion opposed to restoring wild bison on the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge. It was published in at least 2 Montana newspapers. He misrepresents certain facts and maligns efforts of the American Prairie Reserve and the Montana Wild Bison Restoration Coalition, two separate groups with widespread support from within and outside Montana.
The Coalition is not a “propaganda arm” of APR as claimed by Poertner. It originated independently and has no connection, administrative or financial, with APR. That said, it is clear that some of our objectives overlap and we do communicate on these. -- Our Coalition’s 2 objectives may be found elsewhere on this website.
Poertner’s picture of free-roaming bison destroying crops and grazing land is inconsistent with Montana law that protects and indemnifies private properties from any public bison that may occur. Fear-mongering is unattractive. -- See Montana law (87-1-216) under “Legal Issues” on this website.
Poertner is correct that our Governor has denied action to restore wild bison on the CMR NWR. Denial has been accompanied by years of pretense with working groups, public input, and a rather meaningless plan that has not been completed in over 3 years. -- See “Montana Plans” under “Our Mission” on this website.
Poertner brags that our Governor’s inaction is controlled by “fierce opposition” from rural communities and “most” Montana agriculture. A minority controls a public wildlife species, a national refuge, other national (BLM) lands, and some private landowners who appreciate bison. Yet polls show that 70% of Montana voters favor having wild public bison on and near the CMR NWR.
Poertner will be correct so long as Montanans and other owners of the federal lands allow this miscarriage of democracy with no room for negotiation. The Bison Coalition seeks no control over private properties and is willing to explain its mission to all involved. But leadership from our Governor’s office is needed for any real progress.
For more information: Montana Wild Bison Restoration Coalition website
