On the sprawling Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Montana, buffalo manager Robbie Magnan oversees a revitalized grassland ecosystem. Home to the Assiniboine and Sioux tribes, 33,000 acres now support over 800 bison. These lands once devoid of bison are witnessing a comeback, fostering the ecosystem’s revival.
Efforts to restore this keystone species have significantly progressed. Native tribes now see the return of wildlife and native grasses as bison graze, contributing to an ecological balance. “A lot of our bird population has come back alongside the buffalo,” said Magnan. This includes species like the sprague’s pipit and burrowing owls.
Restoring bison isn’t without challenges. Expenses like hay for severe winters and habitat improvements weigh heavily. Additionally, a quarantine facility is managed for wild bison from Yellowstone National Park to ensure they are disease-free before joining tribal herds.
With Defenders of Wildlife, the reservation aims to expand the cultural herd to over 1,000 bison across 100,000 acres. This involves acquiring or leasing nearby lands, made difficult by shrinking federal grants. Thus, the Endless Prairie Buffalo Project was conceived, promising a novel funding method through biodiversity credits.
This initiative, approved by the Fort Peck Tribal Council, collaborates with Defenders of Wildlife and the Environmental Policy Innovation Center. It aims to monetize biodiversity restoration, offering credits companies can purchase to support ecosystem enhancement.
Similar to carbon credits, these biodiversity credits, explained by Ryan Sarsfield of the Environmental Policy Innovation Center, serve to visibly link corporate social responsibility goals with tangible environmental benefits.
The project is in its pilot phase, focusing on measuring the biodiversity value on bison-occupied land. Surveys have shown increased plant diversity and the return of native grasses. Bison, through grazing and trampling, aid in soil fertilization and moisture retention, benefiting diverse plant growth.
Scientists at Fort Peck use satellite imagery to map ecological improvements. These maps help quantify the biodiversity boost, showing increased wildlife presence like pronghorn and deer.
Despite challenges in assigning monetary value to these changes, voluntary credit programs can complement regulatory conservation efforts. Companies interested in sustainability might find these credits beneficial for their corporate image and tax incentives.
Magnan prepares for more bison arrivals from Yellowstone, enhancing Fort Peck’s role in bison restoration. This program, if successful, could replicate across other ecosystems, potentially offering new revenue avenues for tribes.
Magnan and project partners presented at the Bloom Biodiversity and Climate Conference, seeking investment for the Endless Prairie Buffalo Project. Credit purchases will support land management and acquisition, crucial for expanding the herd and biodiversity efforts.
With expertise from entities like Defenders of Wildlife and the Smithsonian Institute, baseline habitat assessments ensure that biodiversity improvements are measurable, supporting the credibility and sustainability of this pioneering project.
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