Two federal scoping meetings are scheduled to help shape future management options for the National Bison Range at Moiese. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is updating the bison range’s comprehensive conservation plan and accompanying environmental impact statement. Both will outline management goals for the next 15 years. FWS’s first scoping meeting will be held June 6th at Polson’s Red Lion Ridgewater Inn. The second meeting is at the Kalispell Public Library on June 7th. Both run from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Earlier this month Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced management of the National Bison Range will remain in the federal government’s hands. Last year, the Obama administration proposed handing over management of the range to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The BIA would then transfer local control to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
Zinke says the FWS will consider a range of options that includes opportunities for the tribes to participate in management of the Bison Range.