Coalition Supports Dual Approach To Federal Bison Restoration

 

 

The Montana Wild Bison Restoration Coalition has petitioned Department of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service to proceed on separate parallel paths for restoring bison on Native American lands and on federal lands, including the Charles M. Russell Refuge. Secretary Haaland oversees both the Fish & Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Following Montana’s most recent rejection of bison restoration by the legislature and governor (News 23 May), two competing proposals have arisen for federal restoration of bison on the Russell Refuge. A proposal supported by Native Americans would have Tribal-trust bison on the federal refuge, administered by an inter-tribal council and managed by Tribal biologists, with emphasis on bison for cultural, spiritual and nutritional needs of an unspecified number of Tribes. This proposal was developed largely with support of the National Wildlife Federation (News 19 June). Its application would compromise Congressional mandates for biological diversity and integrity on the Refuge.

Our Coalition preferred restoring public-trust bison on the Refuge, with benefits for all Americans, including Native Americans, as mandated by Congress (News 1 July). Competition between the two proposals has become divisive at a time when respectful teamwork and cooperation are much needed in American politics. We suggested that the Department of Interior initiate a dual-program of bison restoration to best fulfill the overlapping, but somewhat incompatible goals of these two proposals.

Tribal goals for bison management can best be fulfilled on Tribal lands, not through compromising statutory mandates on the Wildlife Refuge System. At least 69 Tribes in 19 states already have over 1500 square miles dedicated to bison herds. Department of Interior should continue to support expansion and management of bison herds in Indian Country. This proposal is outlined in House Bill 5153 that was introduced in 2019 by then Congresswoman Haaland. Much of it can be facilitated by administrative actions under existing law.

Along a parallel track, Department of Interior should accelerate achievement of already established federal goals for restoring public-trust bison, and securing the wild bison genotype, on National Parks and Wildlife Refuges. Restoration of bison on the Russell Refuge is the best opportunity to satisfy these goas south of Canada (News 1 July).