Yellowstone National Park

Landowners suing Montana FWP over Yellowstone bison relocation plan

Posted: Jan 11, 2012 7:36 PM by Marnee Banks - Montana's News Station

HELENA - Several landowners are suing Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks over its plan to relocate some bison from Yellowstone National Park.

The landowners said the state failed to fully analyze the impacts of the bison on humans when the FWP Commission voted to move 68 bison to the Fort Peck and Fort Belknap Indian Reservations.

The landowners said the relocation violates the Montana Environmental Policy Act and the recently passed Senate Bill 212.

Despite vocal opposition the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission approved the relocation unanimously in December. Landowners sited issues with bison trampling fence, eating their hay and the possibility of transmitting brucellosis.

Landowners are asking the courts to stop the movement of the bison.

The plaintiffs include Citizens for Balanced Use, Montana Senator Rick Ripley, Dustin and Vicki Hofeldt, Ken Hansen, United Property Owners of Montana and Missouri River Stewards.