How to Coexist with Bison Forum

The Plains Bison (Bison bison or Bos bison) once roamed the country by the millions, thundering through the plains in great herds. But the species was slaughtered during westward expansion in the United States, nearly driving them to extinction. Yellowstone National Park is the only place in the US where bison have continuously lived since prehistoric times. They are the pure descendants, free of cattle genes of early bison that roamed the country’s grasslands. Some of these bison have been moved to create conservation herds on tribal lands and on the American Prairie Reserve. Yet, even at these low numbers, they are not protected and continue to be quarantined and/or slaughtered if they leave the confines of Yellowstone.
Join us to learn about the importance of bison to tribal culture, their positive impacts on the landscape and their current status as well as the role these two organizations are playing in protecting bison and helping local communities coexist with the largest mammal in North America.
Guest Speakers:
James Holt is a member of the IWCN board of directors, executive director of the Buffalo Field Campaign and former member of the Nez Perce Tribe’s Fish and Wildlife Commission and the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee. Buffalo Field Campaign (BFC) is the only group working both in the field and in the policy arenas to stop the harassment and slaughter of America’s last wild buffalo. Buffalo Field Campaign (BFC) serves the herds as defenders and protectors, helping ensure the survival of future buffalo generations.
Scott Heidebrink is director of the bison restoration effort for American Prairie Reserve. He works with neighbors, agencies and partners around bison and setting long-term goals and strategic direction for the program.