If these negotiations are successful and result in the goals outlined then this would be a significant milestone in the buffalo wars that have raged since the mid 1990’s.

The arbitrary nature of the hazing and slaughter that has taken place over the years has taken a large toll on bison and cost millions of tax dollars with absolutely no positive results to show for it.  Allowing bison to use the Hebgen Lake Basin by moving the tolerance zone out to Quake Lake and allowing bison to use the Gardiner area by moving the tolerance zone out to Yankee Jim Canyon would give bison much needed winter habitat.

This is a step in the right direction.

Montana, feds negotiating areas for buffalo to roam.
Associated Press

 
About The Author

Ken Cole

Ken Cole is a 5th generation Idahoan, an avid fly fisherman, wildlife enthusiast, and photographer. He is the interim Idaho Director for Western Watersheds Project. We do not accept unsolicited “guest” authors or advertising.

5 Responses to Montana, feds negotiating areas for buffalo to roam

  1. SBH CLAY says:

    This is good news.

    The one thing I’m especially pleased to read is that Dan Wenk, new YNP superintendent, is refusing to allow hunting of the bison in the park.

    The one thing I’m less than thrilled to read is how those who are intent on reducing the roaming range keep introducing the words “disease” and “brucellosis” — as if saying them often enough will persuade people that this is an actual threat. If I’m not mistaken, never has a bison infected a domesticated animal with any disease. So it is wrong to perpetuate that myth and use it as a fear tactic to bludgeon people into buying into false arguments.

    Nonetheless, if a compromise that permits the bison to graze in peace in all seasons is reached, the majority of Americans will be very happy that the expensive and cruel hazing has ended. I hope forever.

  2. Jon Way says:

    A great start, but treating them like wildlife and not allowing any imaginary lines (except maybe on private land if landowners don’t want them) should be the important end goal of all of this. But positive news for sure and I agree with sbh clay’s comments that hiding behind disease is going to keep this argument going for years. After all, 13 miles to Yankee Jim is a 1 day walk for bison.

  3. Isn’t this the first time we have heard this from a MT elected official?

    • Ken Cole says:

      Yes, I think it is, but Schweitzer also asked the Park Service to allow hunting of buffalo inside Yellowstone National Park. That went over like a fart in church.

      • JimT says:

        My old brother once farted in church…he looked over at my mother, said “Mom…SHHHHH”….she never did manage to forgive him, or live it down…LOL..

Calendar

March 2011
S M T W T F S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  

Quote

‎"At some point we must draw a line across the ground of our home and our being, drive a spear into the land and say to the bulldozers, earthmovers, government and corporations, “thus far and no further.” If we do not, we shall later feel, instead of pride, the regret of Thoreau, that good but overly-bookish man, who wrote, near the end of his life, “If I repent of anything it is likely to be my good behaviour."

~ Edward Abbey

%d bloggers like this: