Controversial Bison Grazing Change Approved for APR

The Bureau of Land Management issued a proposed decision on Dec. 28 approving the removal of interior fencing for the purpose of year-round bison grazing at the American Prairie Reserve's Flat Creek Allotment in Phillips County. The practice has been described as "experimental" in internal BLM documents as recently as 2008.

BLM cites APR's "proven track record on both Box Elder and Telegraph Creek Allotments" as justification for the decision. Accompanying BLM documentation asserts, "Removal of interior fencing will likely be a benefit to wildlife species [...]"

At the conclusion of a yearlong public planning process, the BLM completed an Environmental Assessment and a Finding of No Significant Impact which support of the changes requested by APR. The EA cites research studies which allege that bison, compared to cattle, need a different set of management practices to promote holistic rangeland health. These documents are available online at http://1.usa.gov/1NSdr0O.

On Oct. 21, the Courier reported a lack of site-specific scientific research regarding the controversial practice, and confirmed that the APR, BLM and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks were effectively operating in the dark regarding potential local impact at that time. BLM has confirmed that their analysis of APR's request includes no new substantive research.

Contacted for comment this week, APR's Hilary Parker again indicated the possibility of forthcoming research to be released as early as summer or fall of 2016. "We're conducting research now," said Parker, "but we don't have enough collected to submit for peer review at this time." She also expressed surprise at some of the language used in the filing, stating, "We weren't anticipating the BLM to come out with language that endorses our management policies."

Asked for an explanation of BLM motives for proceeding in the absence of meaningful research-a move that some local biologists have called into question-BLM District Public Affairs Specialist Jonathan Moor responded, "They applied, it was analyzed, and it was approved."

Asked how the decision will impact the future of bison-related policy in Valley County, BLM Glasgow Field Office Manager Pat Gunderson said, "Each decision stands on its own." He added that no application for related interior fencing removal in Valley County has been submitted to his office at this time.

The Flat Creek Allotment is within the Sagebrush Focal Area (SFA). According to the proposed decision, if habitat conditions for greater sage-grouse on more than half of three or more key sites within the allotment fail to be achieved due to livestock grazing as determined by on-the-ground monitoring, livestock numbers will be reduced by 10 percent, and may be reduced another 10 percent the following year if habitat conditions remain unimproved.

The decision will permit yearlong grazing for 385 bison on approximately 13-thousand acres previously used for cattle ranching. The move is a small part of APR's stated goal of establishing 10,000 bison across 3.2 million acres in Northeastern Montana.

As survey work and turnout at numerous public hearings has demonstrated, local sentiment is overwhelmingly opposed to free-roaming bison release on public and private lands in the region.

Persons or organizations with an interest may submit written protest regarding the decision within 15 days at the following address: Field Manager, Bureau of Land Management, 501 South 2nd St. East, Malta, MT, 59538. For more information, call (406) 654-5100.