DOI resumes negotiations over Montana bison range


The Interior Department hopes to reach a new agreement with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes over the management of the National Bison Range in Montana.

Lyle Laverty, the I new assistant secretary for fish, wildlife and parks, says he is discouraged that a new agreement hasn't been reached. He set a deadline of March, 28, 2008, to resolve issues between the tribe and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The tribe had an annual funding agreement to handle some functions at the range. It was suspended amid complaints from FWS employees.

The range is located entirely within reservation boundaries and its herd descends from animals raised by the tribe.

Get the Story:
Department revives bison range negotiations (AP 12/6)

Evaluation Report:
Implementation of the Annual Funding Agreement (May 2006)

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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