A federal judge has authorized American Prairie to continue grazing bison on three federal allotments amid ongoing litigation. This decision halts a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) rule that threatened to remove 900 bison from these lands, crucial for American Prairie’s conservation efforts. The nonprofit filed a lawsuit against the BLM and the Department of the Interior to prevent a new rule altering bison grazing policies in the U.S.
In May, BLM revoked six of American Prairie’s permits, covering over 60,000 acres, based on a reinterpretation of the Taylor Grazing Act. This act demands livestock on federal land be “production-oriented.” The move faced strong opposition from Montana’s Republican leaders, including Gov. Greg Gianforte, who argued that American Prairie’s bison grazing contradicts the state’s economic interests and agricultural use of land.
Judge Morris noted that half of the bison produced by American Prairie have commercial purposes, supporting food sovereignty and hunting initiatives. The court order stated no legal precedent mandates livestock operations to solely focus on production, neglecting conservation or other values. The federal and state governments’ attempt to redefine bison as non-livestock was deemed “uncompelling” under Black’s Law Dictionary.
The court did not decide on three other grazing allotments previously agreed upon with BLM but not currently used by American Prairie. Alison Fox, CEO of American Prairie, emphasized the ruling’s importance for bison conservation and its impact on tribal partnerships. The organization highlighted concerns about the potential September 30 deadline affecting genetic diversity if enforced. The Montana Attorney General’s Office withheld comments on the judgment.
