Defenders of Wildlife Blog

The last light was fading fast from the sky when the first three trailers arrived. Gale force winds were ripping through the high plains, and the thermometer had dropped well below  freezing. Still, I was incredibly excited and gratified to be part of the small gathering with Fort Peck tribal members  to witness a historic homecoming and tremendous win for wildlife.

It was so worth it to spend  almost the entire day yesterday traveling from Washington, D.C. to eastern Montana, for the return of wild bison to the Great Plains. I watched in awe last night as the tribal wildlife manager flipped the latch of the first trailer, opened the door, and out roared the first two wild bison from Yellowstone National Park, storming back onto the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.

One of the Yellowstone bison emerging from a trailer into a corral at Fort Peck Indian Reservation in eastern Montana.

The bison had spent all day as well, traveling  about 500 miles from a quarantine facility just outside Yellowstone, where some of them had been  for more than five years. But last night, they were finally set free where they truly belong in their new home.

In total, about 60 genetically pure, wild bison completed the journey. These are some of the only descendants of the historic herds that once roamed the Great Plains by the millions, and they are the first Yellowstone bison ever to be relocated to the Great Plains—the heart of their historic range– to start new herds.

Half of them will soon be moved to the nearby Fort Belknap Reservation once fencing is completed there. Both reservations will manage their new herds sustainably as a valuable cultural resource for the tribes.

Defenders has been able to work closely with the tribes to help bring Yellowstone bison to Fort Peck and Fort Belknap Reservations. Over the last few years, we’ve helped the tribes secure grazing permits to convert tribal land from cattle grazing to bison, paid for wildlife-friendly fencing, and lobbied with them against bad bills in the state legislature. We even chipped in for trailers to help transport the bison from Yellowstone.

But our work here isn’t finished yet. We’ve already committed resources to help the tribes at Fort Belknap, hopefully the next release site, put up fencing around their bison pastures this spring and summer. And in coming years, we’ll be helping the tribes set aside more of their lands  to expand the areas where bison can roam free.

Mike Leahy, Jonathan Proctor, Fort Peck Fish & Game Director Robbie Magnan and Jamie Rappaport Clark at the bison corral (left to right).

Incredible wildlife moments like these leave an indelible mark that will stay with me forever. As I listened to those bison hooves cantering around  on the prairie last evening,  I was reminded how fortunate I am to lead an organization like Defenders. I am also gratified and thankful for the many Defenders donors who have been with us on this long journey to restore bison to their native lands in northeast Montana and have so generously supported us along the trail.

I feel truly honored to have been able to share this incredible conservation achievement with the Assiniboine, Gros Ventre, and Sioux tribes of Fort Peck and Fort Belknap. I also want to thank Gov. Schweitzer and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks for their leadership with bison restoration. Their persistence and perseverance has ensured that future generations of Americans will be able to witness magnificent wild bison out on the range once again.

It’s been slow but steady progress lately for bison conservation in Montana.

Tribal wildlife managers at Fort Peck and Fort Belknap Indian reservations are busy making preparations to receive 65 disease-free, genetically pure bison from a quarantine facility near Yellowstone National Park—a move that was approved late last year by the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission. Litigation from a handful of local private landowners threatens to stop the move, which could occur any day.

Meanwhile, the state has agreed to open more land outside the park for bison to use during the winter when heavy snow sends them in search of food at lower elevations. Last week, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks released its updated interagency bison management plan that will allow bison to continue roaming north of Yellowstone National Park into Gardiner Basin during winter months.

The revised plan is not perfect, but it is a step in the right direction for Yellowstone bison, the most important bison population in the United States. These genetically pure wild bison are essential to the ecological restoration of the species, and there is no better place than Gardiner Basin for Montana to learn how to live with free-roaming bison.

Yellowstone bison were first allowed to roam Gardiner Basin last year when deep snow pushed hundreds of bison to leave the park in search of food. In previous years, bison that strayed beyond park boundaries were promptly hazed back into the park, shipped to slaughter, or held in captivity. But the new policy allows bison to remain in the area until May 1 each year. Just as with the proposed move to tribal lands, litigation threatens to end this progress as well.

Montana Governor Schweitzer has also weighed in, once again prohibiting the shipment of Yellowstone bison to slaughter, thereby forcing the state and federal agencies involved to seek alternatives. Defenders supports this move to prohibit needless slaughter and will continue to help in the effort to find alternatives. In 2011 Defenders contributed $7,000 to pay for fencing to keep bison off private property in Gardiner Basin where they are not wanted. This new effort, managed by the state wildlife department, increases tolerance for bison by allowing local landowners and bison to coexist.

The revised plan for Gardiner Basin is not all that these bison deserve, as some bison will continue to be hazed and held in captivity should more than 300 or so roam the basin at any one time. Ultimately, we believe bison should be allowed to roam year-round in Gardiner Basin – and other locations around Yellowstone – without confinement. Still, this is a start, and our hope is that we will see greater tolerance in the near future based on the success of coexistence projects.

Today is the official start of Defenders of Wildlife’s 3rd annual photo contest. Over the last two years we have had some truly amazing photographs submitted as photographers of all skill levels compete for our grand prize; a week long photo tour with renowned conservationist and wildlife photographer Jess Lee as he takes you through Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons on one of his signature photo tours. I was fortunate enough to talk with last year’s grand prize winner, Jim Chagares, about his grand prize trip with Jess Lee, his views on conservation, and how he was fortunate enough to snap his grand prize winning photograph.  You can visit www.defenders.org/photocontest for submission guidelines, rules, and photo submissions as well as check our FAQ section for some answers to the most common questions we’ve run into in previous contests.  The contest runs from February 15th – March 15th and best of luck to everyone who enters. We here at Defenders are looking forward to another great contest!

How long have you been a photographer?

I have been a photographer all my life. I opened my photography business in 1988. Prior to that I was a musician and taught elementary school 14 years. In 1988, I joined Professional Photographers of America and began studying with the finest photographers in the world. Shortly after joining Professional Photographers of America I received my Master of Photographers Degree and this year became one of only 111 to hold the Fellowship Degree from American Society of Photographers.

How did you manage to get the shot of the bear with her cubs?

This was my second trip to Katmai in Alaska to photograph Brown Bear. While there the most exciting thing is to photograph mothers with cubs. I have photographed several with one, two or three cubs but this was certainly a special treat to find a mother with quadruplets. The interaction between the cubs and mother and cubs was the best. Never a dull moment. I was able to capture several sequences while they were nursing but this was by far the most unusual pose.

Can you tell me a little about the photography tour with Jess Lee?  How was Jess as a tour leader and what were some of the highlights of your trip?

Traveling and getting to know Jess was a great experience. His knowledge of photography and his images are second to none. He was fun to be with as were the others in the workshop. We photographed the scenery, elk, bison, wolves, coyote, eagles, moose, foxes, big horned sheep and more.

What are your views on conservation of our natural places and wildlife?

The National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges are by far the best thing for the preservation of our wildlife and scenery. Protecting and managing the wildlife along with limiting housing developments on this land is paramount.

Why do you support Defenders of Wildlife?

It is important to help Defenders of Wildlife lobby for the protection of our wildlife. They are the voice of the people toward the preservation of endangered species as well as all species. I enjoy their informative website and blog emails with articles about so many diverse species. Their magazine is full of great articles and pictures.

What is your favorite place to photograph and why?

My favorite place for wildlife photography is Yellowstone/Tetons National Parks. The scenery is also spectacular. I spend two to three weeks there each winter, spring and fall. I also love to photograph birds in Florida. Each year I photograph the warbler migration at Magee Marsh on Lake Erie and Point Peele in Canada. The Brown Bear in Katmai National Park in Alaska is certainly one of the greatest experiences ever.

What is next on your photographing agenda?  Any cool trips planned?

This January I went to Canada to photograph a Great Gray Owl for five days. I just returned from the Mississippi River where I spent time photographing eagles. I leave on Tuesday for two week in Yellowstone. In March I am traveling to the Rio Grande Valley in Texas to photography birds. The first of May I will again photograph the warbler migration on Lake Erie. The last week of May and September I will be returning to Yellowstone. July will be Loons with chicks in Algonquin Provincial Park in Canada. October will be filled with Wood Ducks in northern Ohio.

The FWP Commissioners listen to Fort Peck Tribal Chairman Floyd Azure’s testimony.

A meeting to remember

Attending day-long meetings of the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission isn’t usually at the top of my list of favorite things to do. But last Friday was one meeting that I simply couldn’t miss. The Commission was finally considering a proposal to relocate 68 bison from a quarantine facility near Yellowstone National Park where they’ve been held for more than five years to two tribal reservations in northeast Montana.

For years, Defenders has been pushing state wildlife managers to give the bison to the tribes, and this was our last chance to show our support. When it was my turn to testify, I told the commission that although we cannot return to the past when tens of millions of bison roamed the Great Plains, surely there are at least a few places to restore genetically pure wild bison. These two reservations stand ready and willing; this is an offer we should not refuse.

The bison of Yellowstone National Park are some of the only genetically pure wild bison left, and the Assiniboine, Gros Ventre and Sioux tribes of these two reservations have long wished for their return. Giving the bison to the tribes would mark the beginning of efforts to restore new conservation herds of these important bison to the heart of their historic range in the Great Plains.

Although we cannot return to the past when tens of millions of bison roamed the Great Plains, surely there are at least a few places to restore genetically pure wild bison.

Several Defenders’ Montana members spoke in support of the plan too, as did other local Montanans and tribal members as well.

“These majestic animals have played a very significant part in the history, religion, and the culture of our native people of the fort peck reservation,” said Floyd Azure, Fort Peck Reservation Tribal Council Chairman, as reported by the Associated Press. “These bison have sustained our ancestors for thousands of years and they are in need of us of returning the favor. We are here to make sure they will always be here for our children.”

The proposal seemed like a no-brainer to us, and the majority of people testifying supported the move. But some came to testify in opposition, including commissioners from counties near the reservations and some local landowners who fear the bison will escape and damage their fences and property. Despite these objections, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the plan.

The 22,000-acre bison reserve at Fort Belknap awaits genetically pure bison. In 2012, Defenders will assist the tribe with improvements to fencing in preparation for these bison.

Over the past several years, Defenders has helped Fort Peck and Fort Belknap expand the size of their designated bison reserves (currently 4,800 acres and 22,000 acres, respectively) and purchase the required fencing in preparation for return of these bison. We continue to raise funds to help finish the job, and will continue to help expand the bison reserves as opportunities arise in the future.

The next step is for the state and tribal governments to complete and sign agreements. This could take a few weeks to a few months. Then, the tribes are planning a “welcome home” ceremony for their return.

When that happens, we’ll be one step closer to the true restoration of wild bison to their historic stomping grounds.

Historic decision to return genetically pure bison to tribes paves way for conservation

Montana wildlife commission approves transfer of 68 Yellowstone bison to Fort Peck and Fort Belknap Reservations

HELENA, Mont. (Dec. 9, 2011) – Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission approved a land-mark plan today to move 68 bison from a quarantine facility near Yellowstone National Park to the Fort Peck and Fort Belknap Indian Reservations.

The following is a statement from Jonathan Proctor, Rocky Mountain representative for Defenders of Wildlife:

“This is a significant milestone for the restoration of genetically pure bison and a critical step forward for returning these animals which migrated out of Yellowstone Park to parts of their historic range across the Great Plains. The tribes of Fort Peck and Fort Belknap Reservations have repeatedly offered to welcome the bison back. For this we owe these tribes and the Commission our sincere gratitude.

A bison overlooks a snow-covered valley in Yellowstone. (Photo courtesy of Wesley Parks)

“Returning these animals to tribal lands will allow at least some of Yellowstone’s bison to escape the government-led slaughter that has occurred in the past decade when bison have migrated out of the Park in winter in search of forage. Additional innovative strategies need to be developed as an alternative to slaughter and as a way to restore genetically pure bison to the wild beyond the confines of the park. These are the most genetically important bison in the United States  and should not be killed needlessly, especially when there is plenty of suitable habitat available.

“Governor Schweitzer has played an instrumental role in exploring new avenues for bison conservation and deserves credit for moving this plan forward. We are honored to have been able to help the Assiniboine, Sioux and Gros Ventre tribes by contributing funds for their efforts to secure grazing permits and build the required fencing in preparation for the return of bison. We look forward to continuing to support this project now that the plan has been approved.”

Background:
Millions of bison thundered across the Great Plains for thousands of years. But by the end of the 1800s, those vast herds had been virtually eliminated due to unregulated shooting. Today, wild bison are making a small comeback in places like Yellowstone National Park, but they need more room to roam. Defenders has been a leading proponent of returning Yellowstone bison to tribal lands, and we’ve worked closely with tribal wildlife managers for years at the Fort Peck and Fort Belknap Indian Reservations. We’ve invested more than $84,000 so far for bison restoration at both reservations and will be making additional contributions for fencing and for purchasing adjacent grazing allotments. Though relatively small in area (4,800 acres at Fort Peck and 22,000 acres at Fort Belknap), these new bison reserves have potential for expansion and will also lead by example for tribal and public land managers elsewhere.

Learn more about Defenders’ efforts to restore bison to the Great Plains

Read about bison on Defenders’ blog

Visit Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks bison conservation page

Read the announcement recommending the bison relocation to tribal lands

Bison gather near the road at the archway marking the entrance to Yellowstone National Park.

Montana poised to approve the return of 68 bison to tribal lands

We’re almost there!

This Friday the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission will decide what to do with some of the last genetically pure bison left in America: keep them locked in a quarantine facility or relocate them to start new wild herds on the Fort Belknap and Fort Peck Indian Reservations.

As part of a government experiment to see if the disease brucellosis could be removed from a herd of genetically pure Yellowstone bison, hundreds of bison were placed in quarantine. These bison have been proven time and again to be free of brucellosis, yet they remain in quarantine more than 5 years later.

Governor Schweitzer and the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks staff have recommended that the Commission approve the transfer of the 68 Yellowstone bison remaining in quarantine to these tribal lands.

Defenders of Wildlife supports release of these bison for restoration on tribal lands. After years of working towards restoring additional herds of these American icons, one final approval remains.

The Assiniboine and Sioux tribes of Fort Peck Reservation and the Assiniboine and Gros Ventre tribes of Fort Belknap Reservation have stepped up to the plate and welcome the responsibility of living with these respected animals, the way their ancestors did for years before.

This is an offer our state should not refuse.

If the relocation proposal passes, these bison could be moved anytime in the next few months.

Read more about bison in the latest issue of Defenders magazine…