Group protests governor's visit to Fort Peck Tribes bison site

Tuesday, April 3, 2012  

A non-Indian group showed up to the Fort Peck Reservation on Monday to protest the the transfer of bison from Yellowstone National Park.

Members of Citizens for Balanced Use criticized Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D) for agreeing to allow the bison to be moved through the state to the reservation. But he said there was not reason to be alarmed amid fears that the bison carry brucellosis, a disease that causes death in cattle.

"These animals have been tested again and again and again and each test has come out negative for these animals carrying brucellosis," Schweitzer told The Great Falls Tribune.

The Fort Peck Tribes have accepted more than 60 bison from Yellowstone. Some of the animals are supposed to be transferred to the Fort Belknap Indian Community but a judge in the state has put the move on hold as part of a lawsuit filed by ranchers and property owners.

Get the Story:
Protesters converge on Fort Peck during Montana governor's Monday visit (The Great Falls Tribune 4/3)

Related Stories:
Editorial: Allow transfer of bison to Montana reservations (3/28)
Judge's ruling puts hold on move of bison from Yellowstone (3/22)
Fort Peck Tribes accept transfer of bison from Yellowstone (3/21)