Drs.
Frank and Deborah Popper, Rutgers and Princeton Universities, have
agreed to be listed as supporters of our Coalition’s two goals.
"Montana
Wild Bison Restoration Coalition's Mission is to enhance public
awareness of conservation opportunities for wild, public bison in
Montana; and to establish a bison herd on public land and private
land where bison are accepted, within and near the Charles M. Russell
National Wildlife Refuge."
In
1987, Geography professors Frank and Deborah Popper published a
landmark, controversial paper describing the gradual depopulation of
the arid, western Great Plains. They suggested the area could be more
useful as a restored “buffalo commons”. While the Poppers
recommended honest, objective discussion of the issue, considerable
passionate acrimony resulted. However, the Poppers’ predictions
have been vindicated. Most counties in the arid Great Plains continue
to gradually decline today; and there remains a need for objective
discussion of issues and opportunities related to bison restoration.
