Bison Management Plan Open House

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—APRIL 25, 2012
Contact: Ron Aasheim, 406-444-4038, or visit the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov

FWP TO BEGIN BISON MANAGEMENT PLAN DISCUSSIONS IN MAY

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks announced today that it will host a series of public meetings this spring as a first step toward developing a long-term bison conservation and management plan for the state. The plan will be developed through a programmatic environmental impact statement, which will address issues associated with bison and options for their long-term management as a Montana wildlife species.

The programmatic EIS, which will take about three years to complete, will examine an array of issues and possible alternatives—including no action—and each alternative’s potential beneficial and adverse environmental, social, and economic impact.

FWP will begin a formal public “scoping” process as required under the Montana Environmental Policy Act. Public scoping is aimed at identifying issues, impacts, public concerns, and conservation challenges and opportunities. The comments will assist FWP in further identifying issues and developing possible alternatives.  

Some issues already identified include: (1) the risk of bison spreading disease to domestic livestock, (2) competition between bison and other wildlife, (3) competition between bison and livestock for rangeland, (4) damage to fencing, (5) public safety, and (6) the legal classification and status of bison in Montana.  

Eight scoping meetings are scheduled for May. The sessions will be held from 6-9 p.m., with the first hour dedicated to informal discussions and the remainder of the evening set for recording scoping comments. Here are the meeting dates and locations:

• May 14        Missoula     Holiday Inn Downtown – 200 S. Pattee St.
• May 15        Kalispell    Red Lion Hotel – 20 N. Main St.
• May 16        Glasgow    Cottonwood Inn – 45 1st Ave NE  
• May 17        Helena        Montana Wild Center – 2668 Broadwater Ave.
• May 21        Billings    Holiday Inn Grand MT Convention Center – 5500

                    Midland Rd.

• May 22        Miles City    BLM conference room, BLM center – 111

Garryowen Rd.

• May 23         Great Falls     Townhouse Inn – 1411 10th Ave. S.
• May 24         Bozeman    Holiday Inn on Baxter – 5 Baxter Lane

Last year, in anticipation of a programmatic EIS proposal, FWP prepared a summary of bison history and activities in the West that offers information related to the possible restoration of bison in Montana. The “Bison Background Document” presents information on the bison's genetic and disease history, management concerns and a brief synopsis of different bison management philosophies among an array of private groups and organizations. The document is available online at fwp.mt.gov. Under 'For Fish & Wildlife Information' choose "Bison Background." The document may also be obtained on CD or other formats by calling Margaret Morelli at 406-994-6780 or via email at MMorelli@mt.gov.  

     

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