Yellowstone National Park Extends Public Comment Period for Bison Management Plan
Yellowstone National Park has announced an extension of the public comment period for its draft Bison Management Environmental Impact Statement. Originally scheduled to close on September 25th, the deadline has now been extended to October 10th, allowing the public a full 60 days to comment on the plan. The draft EIS presents a range of actions for managing the bison population inside the park, including exploring ways to reduce bison slaughter and working closely with Tribal Nations and agency partners. The plan also considers the management actions regarding bison outside the park in Montana, while acknowledging the park’s lack of jurisdiction over actions beyond its boundaries.
Interested individuals, organizations, and agencies are encouraged to submit written comments on the alternatives, information, and analyses presented in the draft EIS. The preferred method for submitting comments is online, through the park’s website. Comments can also be mailed or hand-delivered to the park superintendent. The National Park Service (NPS) is particularly interested in input that helps evaluate bison management based on new scientific information and changing circumstances.
Yellowstone National Park is home to one of the largest wild bison populations in the United States. The management of these bison is crucial for preserving the park’s ecological balance and protecting the species. The extended comment period provides an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute their perspectives and expertise to the decision-making process for bison management in the park. The NPS values public input and seeks to make informed decisions that will benefit the bison herds and the park’s overall ecosystem.
The draft Bison Management Environmental Impact Statement aims to address the complexities involved in managing bison in a way that ensures the long-term viability of the species while also mitigating conflicts with human activities and interests. The extended public comment period allows for a more thorough review, allowing the NPS to consider a wide range of perspectives and potential actions.
Yellowstone National Park is renowned for its iconic wildlife, including bison, grizzly bears, and numerous other species. The park’s efforts to develop a comprehensive bison management plan reflect its commitment to the conservation and protection of these treasured resources. By extending the public comment period, the park is fostering a collaborative process that honors public engagement and facilitates informed decision-making.
As the comment period deadline nears, stakeholders are encouraged to provide their input and contribute to the ongoing conversation about bison management in Yellowstone National Park. The extended timeline allows for a robust review of the draft EIS and ensures that all voices are heard in the development of the final Bison Management Plan. The NPS is eager to receive valuable feedback and hopes that the extended comment period will lead to a well-informed and inclusive decision-making process.
