National and Montana Wildlife Federations Rededicated to Bison Restoration
Especially on the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge
The National Wildlife Federation and its affiliated Montana Wildlife Federation, with a panel discussion internet-broadcasted on October 18, restated their commitments to restoring public-trust, wild bison in Montana, noting that the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge (CMR) offers “a unique opportunity” among America’s public lands.
These organizations have quietly supported Montana bison restoration in recent years. Recent emphasis of the National Wildlife Federation has been for more bison herds on Native American reservations. Although the CMR is the largest federal refuge within the historic range of plains bison, but lacks this keystone native species, most national and state conservation organizations have been avoiding clear support for a CMR bison herd. Bison for the CMR has been carefully sidestepped to avoid confrontations with the public-lands livestock industry.
Panel member, Montana Senator Pat Flowers noted that bison restoration has been more challenging, politically and socially, than reintroduction of wolves or recovery of grizzly bears. Tom France, Regional Executive Director for NWF, described Montana bison restoration as a “matter of public will”. He and Flowers recommended bison restoration be accomplished “the Montana way” with lots of local public input. However, Flowers noted there is a lot of public misinformation to be dealt with, and France supported face-to-face discussions of the problems. Flowers noted that anti-bison legislation may again be introduced in the 2021 state legislative session, suggesting that cross-party support for bison could be developed with candid discussion of the issues.
Panel member Mary Zeiss Strange, bison rancher from southeast Montana described bison as remarkable animals. Frank Szolloci, Executive Director of MWF, recognized the Montana Wild Bison Restoration Coalition and indicated MWF would be preparing a framework document soon.
Strong support of NWF and MWF for bison on the CMR is a significant step forward. These organizations have resources and contacts to create needed discussion and progress. Since polls show that 70% of Montana voters support restoration of public-trust, wild bison on the CMR, other conservation organizations should follow their lead.
Thank you,
Jim Bailey, Montana Wild Bison Restoration Coalition
