The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) is proposing legislation that would give them ownership of the National Bison Range (NBR). Contrary to Tribal claims, this action would by definition set a precedent, as a federal wildlife refuge has never before been given to a non-governmental entity. The 1997 National Wildlife Systems Improvement Act gives the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) the responsibility and resources “to administer a national network of lands and waters … for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.”
The NBR is a unique and special resource for Montana and visitors from the whole world. It is about more than bison. Nowhere else can one see the diversity of big game such as elk, deer, bighorn sheep, antelope and other wildlife in a two-hour drive. Larger private bison ranches don’t have “public welcome “ signs. The NBR is also an important component to depressed local economies.
CSKT control of the Mission Mountain Tribal Wilderness has resulted in restrictions on recreation and harvesting of berries or mushrooms by non-tribal people. Unrestricted public access to the NBR can only be assured by maintaining public ownership and USFWS management responsibility.
While the CSKT claims to have wildlife management experience, it has not shown that theirs would be better than the USFWS or that it would be of benefit to the public. In short, this legislation appears to be an attempt by the CSKT to acquire additional land and the economic benefit of a publicly owned resource at no cost, and to the potential detriment of the people of the U.S. and Montana. We need to contact our Congressional delegation and oppose this effort.
Philip L. Barney
Polson