Montana has filed to dismiss its lawsuit against Yellowstone National Park regarding bison management. The lawsuit originated from Yellowstone’s bison management plan introduced in 2024, which aimed to maintain bison numbers at around 5,000 and enhance tribal transfer opportunities. Montana filed the suit on December 31, 2024, reviving long-running tensions about bison population management.
Conservation groups and tribes celebrated Montana’s decision to drop the lawsuit, with Michelle Uberuaga stating, “The state of Montana had all the opportunity to participate just like everyone else. They thought that they could leverage a new administration to get what they wanted.” She emphasized the importance of bison roaming freely, and the victory for national mammal ecosystems and tribal partnerships in the Bison Conservation Transfer Program.
The Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes, key players in the Bison Conservation Transfer Program, supported the National Park Service. Their facility has distributed over 400 disease-free bison to tribes since 2019. “The Fort Peck Tribes are encouraged to see the State of Montana dismiss its lawsuit so that the parties can move past litigation and focus on the real work ahead on the Bison Management Plan,” said Floyd Azure.
Montana argued the plan allowed excessive bison numbers without required consultation, and expressed concerns over brucellosis, a disease affecting cattle. Governor Greg Gianforte had criticized the National Park Service for inadequate engagement with the state.
In response to the ongoing litigation, Yellowstone introduced a Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) to consider new management alternatives. Montana attorneys referenced the SEIS, citing its potential to address state concerns.
The SEIS process will include public commentary, offering stakeholders a chance to voice their concerns on bison management. Yellowstone National Park and the governor’s office declined to comment on the lawsuit’s resolution.
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