Stockgrowers Continue Fundraising For Grazing Appeal
The Montana Stockgrowers Association is continuing fundraising efforts for its goal of appealing the Bureau of Land Management’s decision to approve bison grazing leases in north central Montana.
“First, I would like to thank those who have already donated to this cause and to say there is a long road ahead,” Keni Reese, director of marketing and communications for the Montana Stockgrowers Association, told this newspaper. “MSGA will continue to fundraise for our appeal on the Bureau of Land Management’s decision regarding APR’s grazing allotments, and we ask anyone who is concerned about this decision, to please consider donating to MSGA’s advocacy fund at www.protectopenspaces. com.” Jim Steinbeisser, president of the MSGA, noted, “American Prairie’s American Serengeti concept is a threat to the grassland ecosystem, rural communities and Montana’s cattle industry. If you are passionate about the protection and stewardship of Montana’s lands, heritage and legacy, please consider donating. We currently are waiting for our appeal to be assigned to an administrative judge. Once that occurs, we will have a better understanding of the timeline for the appeal.”
The appeal will address whether the BLM adequately weighed public comment, properly considered the economic impacts of the decision, and has authority to authorize such grazing leases under federal law.
According to BLM’s record of decision, the bureau already administers leases for bison grazing in Montana as well as Colorado, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.
