"Friends of the National Bison Range" forming, opposing FWS changes

First meeting is May 12

MOIESE — "Friends of the National Bison Range (NBR)," a new independent volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the National Bison Range and its smaller satellite refuges, will hold their first annual meeting on Saturday, May 12, at 10 a.m. at the range's picnic area.

The potluck picnic event will include speakers addressing management of the Range, as well as information about what has recently transpired there and how to help preserve this national treasure.

The meeting coincides with the annual opening of the NBR's scenic Red Sleep Mountain Drive.

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) recently announced plans to make dramatic changes at the Range, including decreasing the NBR bison herd by as much as two-thirds.

"Friends of the National Bison Range" is dedicated to supporting the Range at the current numbers of bison and existing staffing levels, according to a news release.

The group also supports the increasing involvement of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes in the management of the Range.

For further information, call Paul Bishop at 406-883-8073. Or, e-mail him at buildingsolutions@centurytel.net.