Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Montana) plans to hold a hearing later this year on the federal government's bison range agreement with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of Montana.

Burns said he has heard "concerns" about the agreement for the tribes to manage some services at the National Bison Range. He did not say when he would hold the hearing.

After years of negotiation, the tribes entered into an annual funding agreement late last year with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The deal was opposed by non-Indians and conservation groups.

Get the Story:
Burns plans hearing on bison range deal (The Missoulian 3/17)

Relevant Documents:
Affected Federal Employees Memo | Annual Funding Agreement (December 2004)

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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