Enviros seek dialogue on bison in ranch country

The National Wildlife Federation recently sent letters to residents in the heart of livestock country about the controversial idea of restoring bison in and around the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge. / FILE

The National Wildlife Federation is trying to begin a conversation with residents in the heart of livestock country about the controversial idea of restoring bison in and around the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge.

“The letter that we sent out is an offering that we want to be a good neighbor,” said David Dittloff, an NWF regional representative in Montana.

NWF sent a two-page letter Oct. 16 to 6,000 households in Valley and Phillips counties on the idea of restoring bison to the CMR or areas around it that offers ideas on how it could be done without harming ranching interests.

Dittloff said the group sent the mass mailing to make known the organization’s stance in support of bison restoration and its intentions. Misconceptions surrounding the bison issue right now have created a polarized atmosphere on the issue, he said.