The Yellowstone National Park Bison Management Plan is a comprehensive strategy aimed at managing the park’s bison population while addressing issues related to brucellosis transmission, human safety, and property damage. This plan explores various alternatives to ensure the long-term sustainability of the iconic Yellowstone bison herd.
Alternatives Being Considered
The Yellowstone National Park Bison Management Plan is evaluating several alternatives to manage the bison population:
- Status Quo Option:
- Maintain a bison population of 3,500 to 5,000 animals.
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Continue existing hunting, hazing, quarantine, and slaughter operations when bison stray outside the park.
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Tribal Hunting and Quarantine Option:
- Prioritize treaty hunting by tribal members to manage herd size.
- Continue the quarantine-and-transfer-to-tribes program.
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Manage for a larger population, between 3,500 and 6,000 animals after calving.
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Hands-Off Approach:
- Manage bison more like other wildlife, such as elk.
- Tolerate higher numbers of bison (up to 7,000 or more).
- Cease slaughter operations, but continue bolstering tribal herds with animals from the park.
Addressing Key Issues
The Yellowstone National Park Bison Management Plan aims to address several critical issues:
Brucellosis Transmission
- Continue to work with other agencies to manage the risk of brucellosis transmission from bison to livestock.
- Use techniques such as capture and hazing operations if the risk of bison mingling with livestock increases.
Human Safety
- Implement measures to minimize the risk of bison encounters with humans, such as education and signage.
- Collaborate with local authorities to address any incidents involving bison.
Property Damage
- Work with local landowners and authorities to mitigate property damage caused by bison.
- Explore compensation mechanisms for damages incurred.
Conservation and Restoration
The Yellowstone National Park Bison Management Plan also focuses on conservation and restoration efforts:
Bison Conservation Transfer Program
- Continue to relocate brucellosis-free bison to Tribal lands, supporting the restoration of bison herds and reducing the need for slaughter.
Tribal Partnerships
- Strengthen partnerships with Tribal Nations to support their management and conservation of bison herds.
Ecological Sustainability
- Ensure that bison management aligns with the park’s ecological goals, preserving the natural balance of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Public Comment and Next Steps
The Yellowstone National Park Bison Management Plan has gone through a public comment period, and the National Park Service is now analyzing the feedback received.
Public Comment Period
- The public comment period for the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) closed on September 25, 2023.
Next Steps
- The National Park Service will analyze comments and release a final EIS by summer 2024.
The Yellowstone National Park Bison Management Plan is a comprehensive effort to balance the conservation of wild bison with the need to address various challenges. By exploring different alternatives and collaborating with stakeholders, the National Park Service aims to find a sustainable solution that preserves the iconic Yellowstone bison herd for generations to come.