And now:Sonja Keohane <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
See article and link below to the nps report on the public comment:
<http://www.nps.gov/planning/yell/bisoncom/pubcomm.htm>
Content Analysis of Public Comment for the Interagency Bison Management Plan
for the State of Montana and Yellowstone National Park
<http://www.billingsgazette.com/>
YELLOWSTONE PARK
Buffalo supporters oppose preferred government option
By JOE KOLMAN
Gazette Bozeman Bureau
BOZEMAN - Those interested in the management of Yellowstone National Park
bison overwhelmingly oppose the government's preferred option, but show
much support for an alternative favored by many environmental groups,
according to documents released Tuesday.
Public comment on the draft bison management plan was gathered over five
months last year. Not since the reintroduction of the wolf to Yellowstone
National Park has an environmental study generated as much public interest
as was expressed, Yellowstone spokeswoman Marsha Karle said.
More than 25,000 objections were registered to the plan supported by state
and federal agencies that would limit the number of park bison to 2,500
with continued capture and slaughter. The plan also calls for acquisition
of more winter range outside of the park and limited hunting of bison that
wander outside Yellowstone's boundaries.
In contrast, more than 47,000 comments voiced support for the "Citizen's
Plan," which had the backing of the National Wildlife Federation, the
Greater Yellowstone Coalition and others. Parts of that plan include:
establishing an area outside the park where bison would be allowed to
migrate, relocate live bison to Indian reservations or other public lands,
vaccinate cattle near the park against brucellosis and provide incentives
to ranchers to reduce contact between cattle and bison while providing
winter forage for bison.
The plan also supports vaccination of bison against brucellosis and limited
hunting of bison.
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