The federal government will end up saving money by sharing management duties at the National Bison Range with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service originally said the plan would cost $300,000 to $500,000. But the agency now acknowledges it will cost only an additional $23,000 for the first year and will save money over five years.

The new cost estimate of the proposal was released on Tuesday, a day before a public comment period was to end. The figures prompted the parties to extend the comment period another 15 days.

The Salish and Kootenai have a legal and cultural connection to the bison range and will handle certain duties at the unit. The government retains final authority.

Get the Story:
Comment period on Bison Range management reopened (The Missoulian 10/14)
Shared management of bison won't be as costly as thought (AP 10/14)

Relevant Links:
Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes - http://www.cskt.org
National Bison Range - http://bisonrange.fws.gov
Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility - http://www.peer.org

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