Tribes hold meeting on Bison Range legislation

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes will hold a meeting Tuesday in Pablo to discuss proposed federal legislation that would restore the National Bison Range at Moiese to federal trust ownership for the tribes.

Last month, the tribes unveiled a draft bill that would remove the Bison Range from the National Wildlife Refuge System and authorize the tribal government to assume management responsibilities of the 18,000-acre reserve while maintaining it as a refuge for bison, wildlife and natural resource conservation. It also would obligate the tribes to continue providing public access to the land.

The proposal is part of the tribes’ long-term desire to see the land revert to tribal jurisdiction, after the federal government removed it from the Flathead Indian Reservation when it created the refuge in 1908.

Tuesday’s meeting will be from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Salish Kootenai College’s Johnny Arlee and Victor Charlo Theatre, 58138 U.S. 93.

A public-comment period on the proposed transfer has been extended to July 15.

Tribal attorneys on Tuesday will give a presentation explaining the draft legislation, followed by an opportunity for attendees to provide public comment and speak with the tribes’ legal and natural resource staff.

To provide public comments, view the draft bill or find additional information on the tribes’ proposal, visit the Bison Range Working Group’s website at bisonrangeworkinggroup.org.

After the meeting, the group will post a summary of public comments and answers to questions on the site.