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Whereas, wild bison remain one of the nation’s most
endearing symbols of the freedom and spirituality of wildlife.
Whereas, our last remaining wild buffalo are a national treasure
to be honored, respected and protected.
Whereas, the Yellowstone herd is the last population of bison
to occupy their native range continuously in the United States.
(Dr. Mary Meagher, Bison Ecologist for Yellowstone National
Park for over 30 years, has written "The Yellowstone
bison are the descendants of the only continually wild herd
to occupy their native range in the United States."
(Bison Management Plan for the State of Montana and Yellowstone
National Park FEIS pgs 15-41).)
Whereas, the wild buffalo of Yellowstone are the last genetically
pure remnant of the giant herds of millions that once roamed
the West until they were ruthlessly wiped out over a century
ago as a strategy to conquer and subdue the West’s native
inhabitants.
Whereas, there is paleontological evidence of bison occupying
the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem including the Yellowstone
plateau for at least 10,000 years. (Kenneth P. Cannon,
Master of Arts Anthropology, University of Tennessee (1989),
Ph.D. candidate, Department of Geography, University of Nebraska,
Project Archaeologist with the National Park Service's Midwest
Archaeological Center,)
Whereas, scientists are finding that, despite suffering near
extinction, bison have retained a genetic resistance to diseases.
They believe that Yellowstone's bison herd – which has
occupied and evolved on the Yellowstone plateau for at least
10,000 years - carries these genes.
Whereas, the Yellowstone bison are in need of significant
winter range and seek this winter range outside of the Park.
Whereas, "Bison retain the memory of migratory routes.
Bison winter range and corridors on the Northern boundary
include Gardiner Valley, Reese Creek, Eagle Creek/Bear Creek,
Little Trail Creek/Maiden Basin, Hellroaring and Slough Creek.
Bison winter range and corridors on the Western boundary include
Grayling Creek/Fir Ridge, Madison River, Duck Creek, Cougar
Creek, Horse Butte Peninsula, and the south arm of
the Madison River." (Bison Management Plan for
the State of Montana and Yellowstone National Park FEIS pgs
vii, xi, xlv, 15, 30, 35, 59,61).
Whereas, much of this lower elevation winter range is owned
by the citizens of the United States, in the form of the Gallatin
National Forest and of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests.
Whereas, much private land in the migratory corridors is owned
by people sympathetic to the buffalo.
Whereas, the federal government has paid the Church Universal
and Triumphant. $13 million for wildlife conservation easements,
including the Devil's Slide conservation easement on the north
end of Yellowstone National Park.
Whereas, to-date, the State of Montana has a “zero tolerance”
for these migrating bison, killing or harassing all bison
attempting to migrate into Montana.
Whereas, the State of Montana through its Department of Livestock
has been directly responsible for the killing of at least
2,475 wild Yellowstone bison in the last ten years, or more
than half of the existing herd.
Whereas, Montana’s Department of Livestock says the
firing line and killing fields at Montana’s borders
are necessary because some bison carry the disease brucellosis.
Whereas, the State of Montana does not maintain a firing line
and zero-tolerance kill zones for elk roaming north and west
of Yellowstone Park that also carry the disease brucellosis.
Whereas, there has NEVER been a documented case of brucellosis
transmission from wild buffalo to domestic livestock.
Whereas, the “hunting” of Yellowstone bison in
confined areas is akin to shooting parked cars.
Whereas, it is ethically and morally wrong for the State of
Montana to promote a “hunt” of wild bison, animals
that are ecologically extinct in Montana. (In April
2000, the Executive Board of The Montana Chapter of The Wildlife
Society passed a resolution stating: "Wild bison remain
ecologically extinct in Montana." At the same time, and
to their credit, the Wildlife Society recommended "restoration
of free roaming bison herds on tribal lands or suitable federal
public lands.")
Whereas, Yellowstone's indigenous wild bison herd remains
of great importance to Montanans and to the indigenous tribes
who sought, and still seek, religious and cultural sustenance
from this native species.
Whereas, migrating bison could be as big a tourist draw to
Montana as Yellowstone National Park has seen from the reintroduction
of wolves.
Be it resolved, that the Montana Department of Livestock be
stripped of any and all jurisdiction for Yellowstone bison
entering Montana.
Be it further revolved, that the zero-tolerance policies,
firing lines, and killing zones be rescinded immediately.
Be it further resolved, that all buffalo capture and related
facilities on Horse Butte, Stephens Creek, Duck Creek, and
elsewhere be permanently closed and reclaimed.
Be it further resolved, that the Montana Department of Fish,
Wildlife, and Parks become the lead agency, with the National
Park Service, protecting the Yellowstone bison.
Be it further resolved, that the Yellowstone bison be allowed
to follow their natural migratory corridors.
Be it further resolved, that bison be allowed to winter upon
nearby federal lands and easements, owned by U.S. taxpayers.
(This habitat protection for bison may result in the cancellation
of some cattle grazing allotments on U.S. Forest Service lands
near Yellowstone Park. These grazing allotments bring
in a mere $1.43/month per cow/calf pair, compared to equivalent
grazing on private land that costs almost ten times more,
at $11/month.)
Be it further resolved, that no hunting of Yellowstone bison
occurs until winter habitat is fully occupied and the hunting
principles of “Fair Chase” can be fully realized.
Let the Buffalo Roam!
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Richards
Former member, Montana House of Representatives
Candidate for U.S. Senate
P.O. Box 422
Boulder, MT 59632
406-225-4235 |
