| HELENA,
MT - As the Montana Legislature and Governor Brian Schweitzer
are sworn in to office on Monday, January 5, wild bison
advocates will gather in Helena to champion wild bison
and their right to roam in Montana.
* WHO: Buffalo Field Campaign, Buffalo
Allies of Bozeman, and everyone who cares about restoring
wild bison in Montana
* WHAT: March & Rally in Defense
of Wild Bison in Montana
* WHEN: Monday, January 5, 2009. 9:00
am - 10:30 am
* WHERE: Meet at Women's Park, located
between Neil and Fuller Avenues, then march to the state
capitol around 9:30 am.
* WHY: To hold Governor Brian Schweitzer
accountable for his actions against wild bison, to encourage
him to support actions recognizing wild bison as a valued
wildlife species in Montana, and to provide year-round
habitat for this prehistoric native species. Advocates
will also ask their state legislators to support the
Montana Wild Buffalo Recovery & Conservation Act
of 2009."It is important for us to let Governor
Schweitzer know that Montanans are very upset about
his failure to provide real year-round habitat for bison
in the state," said Jim MacDonald of Buffalo Allies
of Bozeman, "That's why we are sending folks up
from Bozeman to rally on January 5."
During 2007-2008, the state of Montana and Yellowstone
National Park perpetuated the largest-scale wild bison
slaughter since the 1800's, killing more than 1,600
wild bison. During Governor Schweitzer's first term,
more wild bison were killed than under the combined
three terms of the governors who preceded him, even
though when he first campaigned he did so under the
promise to provide "more tolerance for wild bison
in Montana."
"For decades Montana has been squandering a national
treasure by perpetuating a wild bison killing spree
that has no basis in sound science nor any reasonable
foundation whatsoever," said Buffalo Field Campaign
spokesperson Stephany Seay. "It's time for sensible
change; it's time to welcome wild bison back home to
Montana."
Currently, the Montana Department of Livestock manages
wild bison that enter Montana, a role authorized under
MCA 81-2-120. Under this law, crafted by Montana's cattle
interests, wild bison are managed as diseased pests
and forbidden to enter the state without being subjected
to harassment or death.
"It is a serious conflict of interest having the
Department of Livestock in charge of managing wild bison,"
said Mike Bowersox, a coordinator with Buffalo Field
Campaign, "You might as well trust the fox with
guarding the henhouse."
Bison Advocates will call on the Montana Legislature
to repeal MCA 81-2-120, and instead support reasonable
alternative management of wild bison as outlined under
the Montana Wild Buffalo Recovery & Conservation
Act of 2009.
The Montana Wild Buffalo Recovery & Conservation
Act of 2009, crafted by the Bozeman based Gallatin Wildlife
Association, would place the management of wild bison
in the hands of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
The bill would also recognize wild bison as a valued
native wildlife species of Montana. The bill also provides
for the protection of private property for landowners
who do not welcome wild bison.
Buffalo Field Campaign is the only group working in
the field, every day, to stop the slaughter of the wild
American buffalo. Volunteers defend the buffalo and
their habitat and advocate for their lasting protection.
For more information, video clips and photos visit:
http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org
Top
of Page
|
