Amendment to the Valley County Conservation District's Bison/Buffalo Ordinance (2014-1) - 09/11/20

In 2014 the Valley County Conservation District (VCCD) submitted to the voters of Valley County an ordinance (2014-1) that called for the protection of soil and water from wild, free roaming or domestic bison/buffalo grazing the District. It easily passed since a majority (74%) of the voters was in favor. However, subsequent reviews and events indicated an amendment was in order. As a result the VCCD supervisors are submitting to the voters an amendment to the ordinance that greatly simplifies it, removes identified problems and addresses objections from domestic bison/buffalo producers.

The proposed amendment simplifies the regulatory process by declaring all bison/buffalo in the District shall be classified as livestock and be subject to all Montana laws pertaining to the livestock industry. It also requires operators of non-commercial herds to submit a plan detailing annual veterinary herd health inspections to an appointed Valley County board.

Copies of the original ordinance and the amendment can be obtained by contacting either Supervisor Ron Stoneberg (367-9314) or Supervisor Jeff Pattison (263-5333).

The proposed amendment will be on the ballot in Valley County in November 2020. The VCCD supervisors strongly recommend a YES vote to keep wild, free-ranging bison/buffalo out of our county.

Thank you

Valley County Conservation District Supervisors