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.