Federal and state agencies met in Denver Friday, June 20 to choose a preferred alternative to be included in the soon-to-be-released Yellowstone bison managment environmental impact statement. They issued a brief press statement Friday, June 20 and will do a more detailed press statement/interview on Monday, June 23. Below is a brief summary of what the national park service, forest service, APHIS, and the state of Montana agreed on.

TARGET POPULATION: 1700-2500 animals in and around the Park. Montana wanted a much lower number, somewhere in the 800-1200 range and the U.S. government wanted more. Following the winter of 1996-7 the number of bison (including new calves) is somewhere between 1100 and 1300.

There were about 3400 bison as last winter began. Under the preferred alternative, as numbers drop below 1700, lethal control of bison will be phased out. It isn't clear yet if there are absolute number thresholds for this or if it will be determined as things develop.

TEST AND SLAUGHTER FACILITIES The existing facility at Stephens Creek (near the north boundary of Yellowstone NP) will continue to be operated by the NPS. The Duck Creek facility (north of West Yellowstone) will be run by the Montana Department of Livestock. An additional new facility west of Highway 191 on Horse Butte will be run by NPS/APHIS/FS

QUARANTINE
There was agreement that a quarantine facility will be build someplace in the vicinity of YNP. This facility will be subject to a separate NEPA document. It was agreed that the facility would be operated for "excess" bison only and the preferred means of population control will be hunting. (see hunting below). Quarantined bison will be sent only to established populations on national interest lands or to such lands where a new population is to be established. Where this leaves Native Americans who seek living bison to start tribal herds, I do not know.

VACCINE
No vaccinations will be given until a safe and effective vaccine is developed. The preferred method of delivery of a new vaccine is remote - that is by fired dart or through a salt lick/feed. Existing brucellosis vaccines are not effective on bison, although they are for elk.

BISON MANAGEMENT ZONES
Eagle Creek and Horse Butte will remain as bison management zones outside Yellowstone Park. Each area is slated to accommodate about 100 animals.

HUNTING
Montana agreed to a fair chase hunt in Eagle Creek and Horse Butte and that the Governor Racicot would ask the legislature for approval next legislative session. The number of animals for which permits will be issued will be determined annually using "accepted herd management techniques."

WINTER RANGE ACQUISITION
Montana agreed to support winter range acquisition outside Yellowstone as part of the EIS. I don't know whether specific areas will be identified.

GRAZING LEASES/LAND USE
Montana also agreed to work with landowners and federal agencies to promote land uses, on a willing owner basis, that were compatible with bison being outside the park. The allotment on Horse Butte was discussed as was adjacent private land. There seems to be some indication that the landowners are willing to sell an easement on their land or sell it in fee simple.

LIFE OF THE PLAN
The plan has a 15 year shelf life. It can be revised before then if there are significant changes that affect the plan's assumptions.

PURPOSE OF THE PLAN
This plan, which will be available for public comment, will replace the controversial (I think notorious) "interim bison plan", that resulted in the shooting or trip to the slaughterhouse for over 1000 bison last winter.

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This story is based on advance notice email sent to me. I have added comments and interpretations. . . Ralph Maughan. 6-22-97