Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Montana) has asked the Interior Department to delay an agreement allowing the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes to have some management duties at the National Bison Range in Montana.

Burns says more time is needed to discuss the proposal even though tribal leaders and department officials have been discussing it for more than two years. He is worried the department is rushing the process without adequate review for public comments.

The comment period is to close November 5. Then it is subject to a 90-day review period by Congress.

Under the annual funding agreement, the tribe is to cover five areas: management, biological programs, habitat management, fire programs and maintenance and visitor services. The government retains final authority.

Get the Story:
Burns asks bison plan delay (The Missoulian 10/30)

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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