Demand Bison Range information

Being a past refuge manager of the National Bison Range located on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Western Montana, I am very concerned and upset that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently notified its employees that it is dealing with the Flathead Tribes on proposed legislation to give the Bison Range in “trust” to the tribes for their benefit.

The agency has made no public announcement, as required by law, when it is proposing an action that will affect any of our national wildlife refuges, like Turnbull near Cheney. No one, including several national conservation groups, can get any information. The agency is politically and underhandedly ignoring its responsibilities to the American people and future generations.

I know if this deplorable deal happens, it will negate years of careful management in preserving a genetically pure herd of American bison and quite possibly end enjoyment of that special place for more than 200,000 visitors a year.

All of us who care for wildlife must raise our voices and demand information. We can’t let this crown jewel of our national wildlife refuges be given away to a local special interest group. If we don’t stop this, more could be next.

Jon Malcolm

Cheney