Blogs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jim Macdonald
406-322-2986
January 22, 2009

(Bozeman, Mont.) Rep. Mike Phillips has introduced House Bill No. 253 (HB 253) – the Montana Wild Buffalo Recovery and Conservation Act of 2009 – into the current session of the Montana House of Representatives. Buffalo Allies of Bozeman, a grassroots organization working for the expansion of habitat of wild buffalo near Yellowstone National Park, urges that the state legislature passes HB 253 and that Gov. Brian Schweitzer sign this into law.

HB 253 has three main facets. It will:

1. Restore buffalo as "valued, native wildlife in the state of Montana."

February 5, 2009. Glenn Hockett of Gallatin Wildlife Association reports that HB 253 has failed in committee. This is very unfortunate and evidence again that Montana government does not support wild bison. Thanks to all the Montanans who do; supporters of HB 253 outnumbered detractors by 4 to 1 during the recent committee hearing.

The Greater Yellowstone Region is home to America's largest genetically pure and truly wild buffalo herd. Buffalo symbolize the natural and cultural heritage of Yellowstone and the West. It is time to manage wild buffalo as valued, native wildlife in Montana. Join us in making a commitment to restoring and conserving wild buffalo populations in Montana.

On January 5, 2009, I was a participant in a march on behalf of the wild buffalo population in Yellowstone National Park, animals who have been denied year round habitat in the state of Montana. The action, sponsored by Buffalo Field Campaign and Buffalo Allies of Bozeman, was in Helena and was targeted at the swearing in of the state legislature and Gov. Brian Schweitzer, under whose watch the greatest wild buffalo slaughter since the 19th century has happened. It was in support of the Montana Wild Buffalo Recovery & Conservation Act of 2009, which calls for shifting management of wild bison from the Montana Department of Livestock to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks so that bison are managed as wildlife instead of as animals in need of disease control.

***BFC press release*** Buffalo Allies of Bozeman has endorsed the event and is organizing a car pool. If you want to join us, please meet at the Albertson's parking lot at 7 AM over toward Staples on Monday morning where we'll be leaving. Or, join us at the event.

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WILD BISON ADVOCATES TO HOLD RALLY IN HELENA
Montana Residents Will Urge Governor and Legislature to Support Bison Recovery Legislation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 2, 2009
Press Contacts: Stephany Seay, Buffalo Field Campaign, 406-646-0070

HELENA, MT - As the Montana Legislature and Governor Brian Schweitzer are sworn in to office on Monday, January 5, wild bison advocates will gather in Helena to champion wild bison and their right to roam in Montana.

* WHO: Buffalo Field Campaign, Buffalo Allies of Bozeman, and everyone who cares about restoring wild bison in Montana
* WHAT: March & Rally in Defense of Wild Bison in Montana
* WHEN: Monday, January 5, 2009. 9:00 am - 10:30 am
* WHERE: Meet at Women's Park, located between Neil and Fuller Avenues, then march to the state capitol around 9:30 am.

Buffalo Allies of Bozeman has been consistently against the Royal Teton Ranch deal. We believe this deal does not actually provide habitat for bison (since most bison are not allowed on the land and all will be forced back into Yellowstone after April 15); it also provides for awful treatment for those few bison allowed for a short time on this land. It's simply a handout to the Church Universal & Triumphant to the tune of $3.3 million to make the IBMP partners and allied groups look as though they are doing something beneficial for buffalo when in fact the torture and slaughter continues.

Some other environmental groups are supporting the plan, and you may have received an email from at least one of them urging you to support the deal. Our local allies, Buffalo Field Campaign and Gallatin Wildlife Association, have joined us in opposing the deal.

We would urge otherwise, but however you feel about it, the FWP commissioners are meeting again today to try and approve the plan. That meeting is at 4 PM. In Bozeman, you can join the meeting in person at 4 PM today at the FWP Region 3 building at 1400 S. 19th.