Proposed federal rule could remove bison from public grazing lands

An Interior Department proposal would cancel Bureau of Land Management grazing leases for bison on federal land in Montana, potentially affecting tribal and private herds across the West. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum proposed the change in January, stating that bison are not eligible for leases because they are not used for “production-oriented purposes,” according to Inside Climate News. If finalized, more than 950 bison managed by American Prairie could be removed from tens of thousands of acres of federal land. 

The proposal has raised concern among tribal leaders and bison operators. OJ Semans Sr., executive director of the Coalition of Large Tribes, said the decision could limit tribes’ ability to expand herds on public land. The coalition, which represents more than 50 tribes, said in a protest notice that the policy could prevent tribal governments and citizens from qualifying for leases. Interior said grazing permits are limited to domestic livestock under the Taylor Grazing Act.