Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, under the direction of Arnie Dood, is continuing to host meetings to discuss the possibility of having a wild, free-ranging bison herd somewhere in the state. According the FWP website, topics will include whether or not it makes sense to have a wild, free-ranging population somewhere in Montana, and if a population of wild bison can actually exist and be managed like wild deer, elk, or antelope.
Two of those meetings will be held this week in Gallatin and McCone Counties:
Tuesday, June 29 – 6:00 p.m.
Tom Milesnick’s Place, 5805 Dry Creek Road, Belgrade, MT
(out by the airport)
Wednesday, June 30 – 7:00 p.m.
Circle County Market, Circle, MT
Meanwhile, folks in Valley and Phillips Counties are taking a proactive stance. According to the Glasgow Courier, both counties are circulating petitions to give to FWP. The petition, they say, originated in Phillips County and was then adopted by their neighbor to the East. The Valley County petition states that, “Montana already has a wild bison population in Yellowstone. A free roaming bison herd will negatively affect private property rights and compete with livestock and existing wildlife for forage and adversely affect rural communities. We the residents of Valley County OPPOSE any evaluation or plan the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department have for a wild free roaming bison population in Valley County.”
Along with these meetings, FWP is currently taking comments through an online survey. CLICK HERE to give your input.
If you would like to arrange a presentation in your area, contact Arnie Dood directly at (406) 994-6780, or send an e-mail to adood@mt.gov .
© Northern Ag Network 2010
Haylie Shipp
