An official with the Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribes of Montana says there will be "no surprises" when the tribe takes on some duties at the National Bison Range.

The tribe and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have come to an annual funding agreement covering five areas: management, biological programs, habitat management, fire programs and maintenance and visitor services.

The tribe and the agency held public meetings last week to explain the agreement. Some people asked whether federal employees would lose their jobs.

The government retains final authority over the range, which is located entirely within reservation boundaries.

Get the Story:
Tribes say they are able to co-manage the Bison Range (The Polson Lake County Leader 9/15)

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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