Buffalo Field Campaign
Yellowstone Bison
Update from the Field
June 18, 2009

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In this issue:
* Update from the Field - Four Bulls Killed by Agents
* Our Friend Frog: BFC Celebrates His Life, Mourns His Passing
* Last Words
* Kill Tally

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* Update from the Field

Bull bison rubs on a tree. BFC file photo.

We lost four brother buffalo yesterday to the ignorance and greed of Montana’s livestock industry.

We are sad to report that the Montana Department of Livestock (DOL) sent three bull buffalo to slaughter yesterday after capturing them on private land at Duck Creek, in a trap just 200 yards from the boundary of Yellowstone National Park.

Read the full press release here.

In addition, agents shot another bull buffalo on Gallatin National Forest land yesterday. Both DOL and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) participated in the killing and processing of this beautiful emblem of the wild. In a disgraceful act, the FWP agent, game warden Jim Smolzynski, even brought his young daughter along to help participate in the violent act. Just three weeks ago, she participated in the prayer ceremony with Chief Arvol Looking Horse. The FWP agent’s dog was also present at the kill site, and was allowed to sample the buffalo carcass, which will likely be processed and given to a food bank or a Native American charity organization.

This bull bison was on Gallatin National Forest land, where, according to the Adaptive Management Plan, bulls are supposed to be allowed year-round. However, a local hobby rancher insists that the bull co-mingled with cattle, which in Montana is an immediate death sentence for buffalo under the ill-intentioned Interagency Bison Management Plan.

The bulls captured at Duck Creek were also set up to fail. The Adaptive Management Plan put forth by the Interagency Bison Management Plan participants states that bull buffalo will be allowed in certain areas outside of Yellowstone year round. However, the agents made sure to make it as difficult as possible for buffalo to live through these changes as they exclude bison from areas north of Duck Creek, the favored migration corridor for bull bison along Yellowstone’s western boundary lands.

You can view footage of both incidents here but please be warned that some of the images are very graphic and disturbing. It is important to remember that federal tax dollars are being used to carry these atrocious activities out.

The Adaptive Management changes have been used by the agencies in an attempt to tranquilize the public and make us believe that things are actually getting better for the buffalo. It is a lie, these incidents - like last month’s intensive hazing - clearly demonstrate that little, if anything, has actually changed on the ground.

Bull bison cannot transmit brucellosis to cattle. The disease, which no wild bison has ever transmitted to cattle, is the excuse Montana uses to justify the harassment and slaughter of wild bison. A closer look at the issue, underscored by the death of bulls, reveals that it’s really about grass, and the cattle industry would rather kill bison than share the grass with them.

Make your voice heard for these buffalo so that their lives are not lost in vain:

1. Contact Montana Department of Livestock State Veterinarian Marty Zaluski and let him know how you feel about these tragic and senseless incidents: mzaluski@mt.gov / 406-444-0782

2. Then, please contact President Barack Obama, even if you have done so before, and keep pressure on until he takes positive action to help the buffalo and stops the slaughter once and for all!

BFC file photo.

Roam Free!

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* Our Friend Frog: BFC Celebrates His Life, Mourns His Passing

The buffalo and our community lost a dear friend this last week. On Thursday, June 11, 2009, “Frog” passed on in the waters around the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington. His last days were beautiful and happy, filled with oysters and canoe camping, friendship and love.

Brian Gharst arrived at BFC early on, and was a passionate advocate for the wild. As the third Brian at camp, he was quickly dubbed with a new name - another volunteer called him “Frog” after he leaped up the slopes behind the cabin on a hike. Frog brought so much caring, peaceful energy, humor, and brilliance to BFC, and to this world. Friends and acquaintances knew him as someone who could do or create anything, as a person with an enormous heart, as someone who accepted people without judgment, and as a person who cared genuinely and deeply about this planet and its creatures.

Before arriving at BFC, Brian had been baking with the Bionic Baking Brigade; and he went on to actively support and work with many other campaigns and causes - with Seeds of Peace, Wild Rockies Earth First!, and more. During his time in Missoula, Brian crafted rickshaws and bicycle trailers, built greenhouses and gardens, revived the free community bicycle shop, and sought treasures throughout town from dumpsters to mountain streams. He took his brilliance and offerings to the world everywhere he went.

This weekend, many friends and family are gathering in Missoula to honor Brian, mourn our loss, and celebrate his life and this community of people he continues to bring together. For those also affected by Brian and his life, and who wish to participate, you can contact the campaign (406-646-0070) or friends in Missoula for more details. Another ceremony will also take place on Horse Butte in West Yellowstone, a place special to Frog and many of his friends. Some of his ashes will be offered there, and his spirit will continue to bless the buffalo, and bless us all.

We love you, Frog. Thank you for all you gave this world.

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* Last Words

“In the eyes of the agencies, ‘tolerance’ merely means delaying the inevitable slaughter of America’s last wild buffalo.”

~ Dan Brister, Executive Director, Buffalo Field Campaign

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* Kill Tally

AMERICAN BISON ELIMINATED from the last wild population in the U.S.
2008-2009 Total: 22

2008-2009 Slaughter: 3
2008-2009 Hunt: 1
2008-2009 Quarantine: 0
2008-2009 Shot by Agents: 2
2008-2009 Highway Mortality: 16

2007-2008 Total: 1,631

Total Since 2000: 3,702*
*includes lethal government action, quarantine, hunts, highway mortalities

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Media & Outreach
Buffalo Field Campaign
P.O. Box 957
West Yellowstone, MT 59758
406-646-0070
bfc-media@wildrockies.org
http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org

BFC is the only group working in the field every day
in defense of the last wild buffalo population in the U.S.

KEEP BFC ON THE FRONTLINES WITH A TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION TODAY

Join Buffalo Field Campaign — It’s Free!

Tell-a-Friend

Take Action!

ROAM FREE!!

Buffalo Field Campaign
Yellowstone Bison
Update from the Field
May 28, 2009

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In this issue:
* Update from the Field
* Help BFC Help the Buffalo
* Ground the DOL’s Helicopter: Contact the FAA
* Traditional Prayer Ceremony on Horse Butte May 31
* Support the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act
* BFC Needs Summer Volunteers in Yellowstone
* Last Words
* Kill Tally

NOTE: This will be the last weekly Update from the Field of this season. Updates will come every other week or as often as necessary to convey urgent news. Thanks for being with us for the buffalo!
~ Buffalo Field Campaign

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* Update from the Field

These buffalo calves, hazed yesterday inside Yellowstone, are struggling to make it across the Madison River's strong spring currents. Some barely made it. Photo by BFC volunteer Lake.

Since our last update, agents have been harassing bison every day. As I write, bison are once again being chased off of cattle-free Horse Butte, forced off of private lands where they are welcome, and off of public lands habitat where there will never be any cattle. Today, DOL agents again violated the private property rights of the Galanis family, using their helicopter, flying extremely low, to haze bison off the 800-acre buffalo safe zone. Buffalo have even been repeatedly shoved off of grassy meadows within Yellowstone National Park, deeper into the park’s interior to “make room” for the bison being hazed off of surrounding Gallatin National Forest lands.

Using U.S. tax dollars, Montana livestock inspectors bask in their assumed taxpayer-funded power while all the involved agencies cooperate, betraying the public trust and the wildlife and wild lands in their care, as they terrorize this unique facet of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Neither buffalo-friendly private lands, Gallatin National Forest, nor Yellowstone National Park are safe places for buffalo - livestock interests, including Yellowstone National Park, are seeing to it that buffalo have no sanctuary.

BFC documents Yellowstone National Park rangers hazing wild bison within the park. Photo by BFC volunteer Lake.

Yellowstone National Park willingly plays into the DOL’s hands, ignoring their mission “to protect park resources unimpaired,” and allowing these atrocities to occur within park boundaries. Yellowstone allows agents on horseback and the DOL’s helicopter to force wild bison off the ground they choose to be on, right in front of the eyes of park visitors. They create hours-long traffic jams, and when questioned by park visitors they misrepresent the issue and act as if they are doing the buffalo a favor, claiming that if hazing didn’t occur, the DOL would kill the buffalo. But Yellowstone participates in slaughter as well as hazing, and last year, of the 1,600 killed, they were responsible for the death of 1,400 wild bison. Hazing can also kill, and it certainly causes intense stress and injury to the buffalo. Injuries have been numerous, and the overall condition of the buffalo we have seen has been deteriorating since hazing activities began.

BFC has been documenting numerous injuries to newborn buffalo, as well as all other age groups. Buffalo have been run for miles without rest, water, or time to nurse; chased across swollen rivers, through thick mud flats, fallen timber, paved roads, and dusty trails. While the DOL denies knowing whether they are the cause of injuries, they are without a doubt aggravating existing injuries as well as causing new ones. It is heartbreaking to witness.

A calf that barely escaped the strong current. Photo by BFC volunteer Lake.

Yesterday, this little calf barely escaped the river as Park Rangers hazed it and its family for more than twelve miles inside Yellowstone National Park. Park rangers attempted to prevent BFC from documenting these actions against buffalo, but patrols persist so that people will know how Yellowstone and Montana cattle interests are wasting federal tax dollars to squander our natural heritage and placate the livestock industry. BFC has also been documenting the DOL’s helicopter flying extremely close to the ground, sometimes lower than 20 feet, hovering over buffalo in rivers, endangering residents and BFC patrols, and terrorizing all the creatures in the ecosystem. It is a centuries-old, cattle industry driven war against wildlife.

Park Rangers trying to prevent the documentation of their actions. Photo by BFC volunteer Lake.

Buffalo belong on the landscape. They are attempting to restore themselves and heal the injuries that more than a hundred years of intense livestock production has caused. One example has been playing out on the south side of the Madison River, where agents have been repeatedly harassing and harming the buffalo; since the wildfires that burned the area two summers ago, this area has become favored habitat. The bison are coming to do their ancient work; they are taking advantage of the new areas of green, nutritious grass the fire has helped produce, and by gently grazing, tilling and fertilizing the area with their critical presence, the buffalo will help restore this section of forest, making it a healthier place for all creatures. The buffalo are trying to heal the wounded land, and we must press on to ensure that they are able to fulfill this critical role.

ROAM FREE!
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* Help BFC Help the Buffalo

The government agencies carrying out the Bison Management Plan want us to believe that hazing is a sane and humane way to treat buffalo. The events described below, and those captured in still and video images by BFC patrols every day, tell a very different story. Over the course of the past two weeks, BFC field volunteers have witnessed and documented the hazing of newborn calves with broken legs; calves separated from their mothers; DOL helicopters intruding upon private lands against the wishes of the landowners; intensive industrial-strength hazing operations occurring miles within the borders of the world’s first National Park and on Forest Service lands outside the Park; and grizzly bears, moose, sandhill cranes and other sensitive species being disrupted. Perhaps worst of all, hazing keeps the buffalo from their critical winter and spring habitat and violently interrupts their birthing season.

Buffalo Field Campaign is the only group documenting these operations on the front lines. If we weren’t here to tell the story, you would only be hearing the livestock industry’s sugar-coated spin, if anything at all. With your help we will remain with the buffalo, in the field and in the policy arena, until they and their migration are adequately protected.

Please make a tax-deductible contribution today and ensure that we remain a strong presence in the field and on the policy front. Together we can bring these actions against America’s only continuously wild population of bison to a halt and earn the bison the protection they need and deserve.

KEEP BFC ON THE FRONTLINES WITH A TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION TODAY

For the Buffalo,

Dan Brister
Executive Director
Buffalo Field Campaign

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* Ground the DOL’s Helicopters: Contact the FAA

DOL helicopter N1095T. Photo by Lance Koudele.

The Federal Aviation Administration has been hearing your calls. Please continue to make your voice heard to the FAA and file a complaint about how two FAA-registered helicopters are being used by the Montana Department of Livestock to harass and harm members of America’s last wild population of bison. The helicopter disrupts the entire ecosystem and all its inhabitants, including wild bison, grizzly bears, wolves, nesting birds such as Sand Hill cranes, bald and golden eagles, and white pelicans. Human residents on the western edge of Yellowstone National Park are also disturbed by the use of the helicopter, which flies extremely low through neighborhoods to scare up bison, hazing them towards Yellowstone. Yellowstone National Park has shamefully allowed the DOL’s helicopter to intrude within the boundaries of the world’s first national park.

DOL helicopter N1095T. Photo by Lance Koudele.

TAKE ACTION! Please contact the FAA to complain about the use of these two helicopters used by the Montana Department of Livestock DOL during bison hazing operations: N7770X and N1095T. The co-pilot is DOL agent Rob Tierney. Mention that the helicopter has been flying low (20 feet or lower at times) on May 14, 15, 27 and 28. If you have personally witnessed the helicopter hazing bison, your voice is especially needed, but all voices are critical and will make a difference. The DOL is, after all, using federal tax dollars to fly the helicopter to harass America’s last wild bison on National Forest and National Park lands. If enough complaints are received, we may be able to ground the DOL’s chopper.

FAA Hotline:
http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/field_offices/fsdo/hln/contact/

Contact FAA Investigator Paul Hurlbert at paul.hurlbert@FAA.gov or call 406-449-5270.

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* Traditional Prayer Ceremony on Horse Butte May 31

View a larger image of this poster from our home page. Special thanks to BFC volunteer Cindy for this beautiful design!

We are honored to announce that on Sunday, May 31, beginning at 11am, Chief Arvol Looking Horse, 19th generation keeper of the White Buffalo Calf Pipe, will come to Montana to hold a traditional ceremony on Horse Butte in honor of the buffalo. The event is co-sponsored by Buffalo Field Campaign, Horse Butte Neighbors of Buffalo, and Seventh Generation Fund’s Tatanka Oyate Project.

All are welcome. Following the ceremony there will be a pot luck community meal in the town of West Yellowstone. Please RSVP with Stephany at bfc-media@wildockies.org.

For more information and directions click here.

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* Support the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act

H.R. 980, the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act is being considered by the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on National Parks, Forest and Public Lands. NREPA designates tens of millions of acres of roadless areas as wilderness in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, eastern Oregon, and Washington. NREPA also includes the designation of over 3 million acres of backcountry wilderness in Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton National Parks. The only place in the lower-48 where all native species and wildlife remain is in the Northern Rockies. NREPA connects natural, biological corridors, ensuring the continued existence of native plants and animals and mitigating the effects of global warming and it restores public lands severely damaged from roads built into critical wildlife habitat. It is the most important single action that Congress can take to protect wildlife and wildlands in the Northern Rockies. Finally, NREPA specifically mentions the last wild population of American bison in Yellowstone!

Read an informative and compelling opinion-editorial by our friend Paul Richards.

Then take action to help ensure that NREPA becomes law!

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* BFC Needs Summer Volunteers in Yellowstone!

BFC is looking for summer volunteers to help with outreach in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Talking to park visitors who are in the company of the buffalo we are trying to protect is a great way to raise awareness and make more friends for the buffalo. If you would like to spend some or all of your summer with BFC, please contact Chris at volunteer@buffalofeildcampaign.org or call 406-646-0070.

See you in West Yellowstone in the land of the last wild buffalo!

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* Last Words

“These are some of the greatest citizens the state of Montana or the nation have produced–citizens willing to risk their lives to protect our wildlife and our buffalo heritage. I am speaking of the men and women of the Buffalo Field Campaign of West Yellowstone, Montana. These men and women need to be supported by our national and state governments, not tormented. And they need to be heard. These people have ideas that can be of help to everyone concerned.”

Marian Rose, West Chesterfield, NH

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* Kill Tally

AMERICAN BISON ELIMINATED from the last wild population in the U.S.
2008-2009 Total: 18

2008-2009 Slaughter: 0
2008-2009 Hunt: 1
2008-2009 Quarantine: 0
2008-2009 Shot by Agents: 1
2008-2009 Highway Mortality: 16

2007-2008 Total: 1,631

Total Since 2000: 3,698*
*includes lethal government action, quarantine, hunts, highway mortalities

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Media & Outreach
Buffalo Field Campaign
P.O. Box 957
West Yellowstone, MT 59758
406-646-0070
bfc-media@wildrockies.org
http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org

BFC is the only group working in the field every day
in defense of the last wild buffalo population in the U.S.

KEEP BFC ON THE FRONTLINES WITH A TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION TODAY

Join Buffalo Field Campaign — It’s Free!

Tell-a-Friend

Take Action!

ROAM FREE!

Buffalo Field Campaign
Yellowstone Bison
Update from the Field
May 21, 2009

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In this issue:
* Update from the Field
* Complain to FAA About the DOL’s Helicopter Use
* Traditional Prayer Ceremony on Horse Butte May 31
* Join BFC on the Front Lines
* Thank You! BFC’s Media Crew Receives Laptops
* Last Words
* Kill Tally

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* Update from the Field

DOL helicopter hazing bison. Photo courtsey of Lance Koudele

The Montana Department of Livestock and Yellowstone National Park continue to aggressively haze any wild bison in Montana. The sounds of the rotating blades of the Department of Livestock’s helicopter can be heard outside the media cabin this morning as I write. Just a few miles from here, on cattle-free Horse Butte and other areas of Gallatin National Forest, the buffalo are currently under attack by livestock interests. BFC patrols are with the buffalo, documenting all actions made against them. The scenes we’ve been witnessing are the stuff of nightmares.

Newborn bison calf. Photo courtesy of Lyle and Sue Wood

Within a single week, at least four newborn buffalo have suffered broken legs or debilitating leg injuries as a result of government hazing activities. All injuries have been documented by Buffalo Field Campaign. You can view footage of last week’s injured calf. Be advised that these images are difficult to watch, but take inspiration from the mother bison defending her calf. We don’t know the fate of this calf, though the calf that was separated from it’s mother during last week’s hazing operations was reunited with her the following day. Unfortunately, during today’s hazing operation, another mother and calf were separated, and patrols are currently monitoring the mother as she searches for her lost baby.

On Friday the DOL chased all of the bull bison that had been grazing in the Duck Creek area, deep into Yellowstone National Park. By Monday, eleven bulls had returned to their chosen ground, and the DOL resumed their harassment operations forcing them into Yellowstone, through the Park’s grizzly bear closure area. Patrols documented bulls being shot with paint balls by the agents. This is a way the DOL marks the buffalo, so if they return again the agents can deem them “unhazable” and send them to slaughter if they feel like it. It is critical to note that, while the risk of brucellosis transmission from wild bison to cattle is only theoretical at best (it has never happened), bull bison pose no risk of transmitting the livestock disease to cattle, a fact echoed even by the livestock industry. What’s more, there are no cattle currently in the area. Furthermore, the Adaptive Management Plan states that bull bison are allowed to be within zone 2 lands year round, an area approximately five miles west of Yellowstone’s boundary. These bulls were in their favorite Duck Creek migration corridor, which, while still within the so-called tolerance zone, the agencies Adaptive Plan deems off limits to them, wantonly setting the buffalo up to fail.

Bull buffalo near Duck Creek. Photo courtesy of Lance Koudele

On Tuesday DOL, NPS, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) horsemen began the day by chasing two moms and two babies off of Gallatin National Forest for a few miles through the thick woods, then they picked up another 30 buffalo, including more newborns, and proceeded to chase them out of this area, and into Yellowstone. On Wednesday, agents returned again to this cattle-free, public lands buffalo habitat to haze yet another group of mixed buffalo, including three newborns. BFC patrols documented another calf injured by the agents’ activities. After reviewing our footage, we could see that the calf had a deep cut on its right hind leg, disabling the calf and preventing it from using the leg. Yet the agents were unrelenting and pressed them hastily forward, “yipping” and “hooting” as if on a cattle drive. During yesterday’s haze, another two moms and two babies eluded the DOL for the remainder of the day, though the agents tried numerous times to find and harass them.

Today, the agents are back harassing buffalo within Gallatin National Forest on Horse Butte and the south side of the Madison River. A group of approximately forty buffalo, including newborn calves, returned to their sanctuary on the Galanis property at Horse Butte. We expected another showdown by livestock inspectors, who force their zero-tolerance of wild bison on private land where buffalo are welcome. Last week, the Galanis’ son was threatened with arrest on his own land by DOL agent Shane Grube. The Galanis family was prepared to defend the buffalo and their property rights against the DOL’s helicopter again today, but by morning, the buffalo had moved to adjacent National Forest land, and the agents swept them up with the helicopter and horsemen, who are now pushing the buffalo along the northwest bluffs of the Madison River towards Yellowstone National Park. The hazing will not stop at Yellowstone’s border, but will continue deep into the Park. Patrols have called in two more reports of calves who’s legs have been injured by hazing activities. That’s four calves in one week, and these are just the ones we know of. Likely there have been many more injuries to newborns, yearlings and adults. Further, agents are running the buffalo for miles, without allowing them to stop for water, nor allowing calves to stop for nursing. By the end of the day, these buffalo will have been chased nearly 20 miles. There will never be cattle in this area, yet livestock interests continue to deny the buffalo access to their native habitat - America’s public lands - and the private lands where buffalo are welcome.

The buffalo will never surrender their ancient migratory instincts to arbitrary human boundaries, fences, or time lines. “We the People” must continue to stand with the buffalo and force the agencies to abandon their arrogant and senseless actions against wild bison. Cattle aren’t present on public lands in this region, yet millions of federal tax dollars continue to be squandered to placate the livestock industry’s economic interests. History is doomed to repeat itself if we don’t act. Please continue to write President Barack Obama and your Members of Congress and the decision-makers involved in this absurd management scheme. We must keep pressure applied for as long as it takes to set the buffalo free.

ROAM FREE!

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* Complain to FAA About DOL’s Helicopter Use

You can make your voice heard to the Federal Aviation Administration and file a complaint about how an FAA-registered helicopter is being used by the Montana Department of Livestock to harass and harm members of America’s last wild population of bison. The helicopter disrupts the entire ecosystem and all its inhabitants, including wild bison, grizzly bears, wolves, nesting birds such as Sand Hill cranes, bald and golden eagles, and white pelicans. Human residents on the western edge of Yellowstone National Park are also disturbed by the use of the helicopter, which flies extremely low through neighborhoods to scare up bison, hazing them towards Yellowstone. Yellowstone National Park has shamefully allowed the DOL’s helicopter to intrude within the boundaries of the world’s first national park. Please contact the FAA to complain about the use of the DOL’s helicopter (registered N1095T) during bison hazing operations. If enough complaints are received, we may be able to stop the helicopter from being used, or at least make it very difficult for the DOL to find a helicopter that is willing to participate in such aggressive tactics.

Thank you!

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* Traditional Prayer Ceremony on Horse Butte May 31

We are honored to announce that on Sunday, May 31, beginning at 11 am, Chief Arvol Looking Horse, 19th generation keeper of the White Buffalo Calf Pipe, along with Lakota elder and BFC co-founder Rosalie Little Thunder, will come to Montana to hold a traditional ceremony on Horse Butte in honor of the buffalo. The event is co-sponsored by Buffalo Field Campaign, Horse Butte Neighbors of Buffalo, and Seventh Generation Fund’s Tatanka Oyate Project.

All are welcome. Following the ceremony there will be a pot luck community meal in the town of West Yellowstone. Please RSVP with Stephany.

For more information, including directions and media protocall, please see our press release about this special ceremony.

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* BFC Needs You on the Front Lines!

BFC is looking for summer volunteers to help with outreach in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Talking to park visitors who are in the company of the buffalo we are trying to protect is a great way to raise awareness and make more friends for the buffalo. If you would like to spend some or all of your summer with BFC, please contact Chris at volunteer@buffalofeildcampaign.org or call 406-646-0070.

See you in West Yellowstone in the land of the last wild buffalo!

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* Thank You! BFC’s Media Crew Receives Laptops

Buffalo Field Campaign would like to send out many heartfelt thanks to those who answered our calls for laptops. The generosity of BFC supporters Chris & Bob Anderlik, their daughter Kerry Masters, and rock-and-roll’s living legends Bonnie Raitt and Jackson Browne have enabled our media crew to grow technologically, and expand our capabilities of sharing the buffalo’s story with the world. We are so grateful to you for your extreme generosity in helping us acquire two high-quality laptops. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you! We are always in need of upgrading our computers, cameras, FM radios and still cameras to keep up with the changing times, so if you can help, please contact us at 406-646-0070 or email Stephany or Mike.

BFC’s Media Crew
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* Last Words

“Almost anywhere and everywhere you go in the American West you find hordes of [cows]…. They are a pest and a plague. They pollute our springs and streams and rivers. They infest our canyons, valleys, meadows, and forests. They graze off the native bluestems and grama and bunch grasses, leaving behind jungles of prickly pear. They trample down the native forbs and shrubs and cacti. They spread the exotic cheatgrass, the Russian thistle, and the crested wheat grass. Weeds. Even when the cattle are not physically present, you see the dung and the flies and the mud and the dust and the general destruction. If you don’t see it, you’ll smell it. The whole American West stinks of cattle.”

~ The late Edward Abbey, conservationist and author, in a speech at the University of Montana in 1985

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* Kill Tally

AMERICAN BISON ELIMINATED from the last wild population in the U.S.
2008-2009 Total: 17

2008-2009 Slaughter: 0
2008-2009 Hunt: 1
2008-2009 Quarantine: 0
2008-2009 Shot by Agents: 1
2008-2009 Highway Mortality: 16

2007-2008 Total: 1,631

Total Since 2000: 3,698*
*includes lethal government action, quarantine, hunts, highway mortalities

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Media & Outreach
Buffalo Field Campaign
P.O. Box 957
West Yellowstone, MT 59758
406-646-0070
bfc-media@wildrockies.org
http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org

BFC is the only group working in the field every day
in defense of the last wild buffalo population in the U.S.

KEEP BFC ON THE FRONTLINES WITH A TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION TODAY

Join Buffalo Field Campaign — It’s Free!

Tell-a-Friend

Take Action!

ROAM FREE!

Buffalo Field Campaign
Yellowstone Bison
Update from the Field
May 14, 2009

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In this issue:
* Update from the Field
* The Wild in Us
* Join the Front Lines
* BFC Media Crew Needs a Laptop
* Last Words
* Kill Tally

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Montana Department of Livestock Helicopter violating private property rights. Photo by Lance Koudele

* Update from the Field

Though a day early, the dreaded time has come: All the buffalo have been cruelly forced off of Horse Butte.

All week patrols have been documenting the Montana Department of Livestock, Yellowstone National Park, Gallatin National Forest and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks agents carry out massive and relentless hazing operations, harassing and harming America’s last wild bison population.

Helicopter Hazing on Horse Butte. Photo by Lance Koudele

Photo by Lance Koudele

On Tuesday, agents were set to haze bison within Yellowstone National Park to “make room” for the bison that would be hazed off of Horse Butte. But Mother Nature had different plans: one group of bison the agents planned to target consisted of forty bulls who would follow none of the agents’ orders. An incredible hail storm assisted and the haze was called off for the day. But such luck was momentary.

Every day this week agents chased bison family groups, including newborn calves and pregnant mothers, off of the south side of the Madison River, and today they set their sights on cattle-free Horse Butte. In fact, all of the Gallatin National Forest lands where the buffalo roam are cattle free, yet livestock interests insist on assaulting them with mounted cowboys*, ATVs, local and federal law enforcement and the DOL’s helicopter.*

BFC volunteers documented some heartbreaking scenes this week: Yesterday, patrols documented a radio-collared bison female with a calf who had suffered an injury in her attempts to flee a cowboy in pursuit of she and two other buffalo moms and babies. Today, patrols discovered a calf who was orphaned, having been separated from its mother during a hazing operation. Typically, bison mothers will return to look for their calves, yet agents are pushing bison deep into Yellowstone - nearly 20 miles - so it is unlikely that the calf’s mother will be able to return, or find her baby before it dies. Today, patrols following the buffalo being hazed off Horse Butte witnessed a calf with a broken leg. The little calf, in spite of it’s likely fatal injury, still somehow managed to keep up with the herd for a long distance. Finally, the calf and its mother dropped behind. Nevertheless, a DOL agent insisted on flexing his authority over the bison and tried to push them forward. The mother charged the agent numerous times. After prompting by the bison mother and BFC, the DOL agent finally left the scene. The calf was last seen still trying to keep up with mom, as she made her way in the direction that her family was pushed.

Montana Department of Livestock Cowboys assaulting cows and calves Photo by Lance Koudele

The DOL and other agents violated private property rights* on Horse Butte today as well. They flew their helicopter low to the ground inside the Galanis’ Yellowstone Ranch Preserve, Montana’s largest “Buffalo Safe Zone.” Agents on horseback and an ATV, accompanied by a Forest Service law enforcement officer, also patrolled the housing area of Yellowstone Village; for years the majority of residents in Horse Butte’s Yellowstone Village have been resisting the DOL’s intrusion upon the bison in their neighborhood.

Agents are pursuing these tormented, exhausted buffalo deep into Yellowstone. By the end of the day, bison from Horse Butte will have been hazed for approximately 20 miles.

Please continue to speak for the buffalo by writing to President Barack Obama and urge him to stop allowing U.S. tax dollars be wasted by Montana’s livestock industry to harass and kill America’s last wild bison population. Choose wild bison, not cows or condos!

ROAM FREE!

*Photos courtesey of Lance Koudele
——————————
* The Wild in Us

Montana Department of Livestock Helicopter assaulting public wildlife. Photo by Lance Koudele

Does chaos allow people to appreciate stillness? It does me. Does the continual chaos of present day culture shut people down? Turn them off? It seems the wild within us has become a very faint and distant memory. Chaos has allowed me to appreciate the stillness, the beauty, the quiet. It is the calm after the storm. It is the stillness after weeks of continental winds. It is the power of another herd heading to their ancestral birthing grounds after days, weeks, years of being hazed by “management men” and their machines. It is the knowledge that it will happen again and again and again if we as a citizenry do not shout Enough!

Is this not just a micro example of what is happening to us? Are we not constantly being hazed ourselves? “Pay the bills! Do this! Take that! Go here! Buy this!” Cracker round shots fired at us in the form of commercials, billboards and terror alerts. It is no wonder we have become so disconnected from our wild roots. Yet the hawk continues to pierce the stillness of the sky and raven caws as well. And there is something within me that is trying to strike some balance between outrage and understanding. That this game between us and them is so much bigger than me. That maybe I am not here to “save the Bison,” but to save the wild in me. Buffalo have been and continue to be a gift to the people. What will it take for America to awake? The intelligence of these animals goes beyond words. They have been around many lifetimes before me, and this is not their first time dealing with the viciousness of man–a particular breed of man whose well will never be full enough. Yet something has brought us all here together. That something is America’s last wild and free herd of buffalo.

This Friday marks Montana’s official “zero tolerance” for any buffalo left in the state. As we have been witnessing year after year, this Monday began the full-fledged efforts of the government to remove every last buffalo from the state of Montana. These last four days have been filled with buffalo being chased by ATVs, men on horseback, law-enforcement vehicles, and thundering chopper blades–creating chaos and mayhem for buffalo mamas and newborn calves as well as yearlings, bulls, and all the other wildlife that lives in this migratory paradise. Not only have hazes been occurring outside the Park, the Park Service has been actively participating in hazing various herds that are currently within the boundaries of Yellowstone National Park. A place where bison are supposed to be able to “roam free.” Yet we are being told that they need to be moved deeper into the Park! Today we witnessed as the chopper flew up and down, back and forth, kicking up dust, and blasting a loud siren on top of it’s already obnoxious thundering blades. Calves were forced to swim against the river’s current in order to keep up with their exhausted mothers. Another calf was separated from its mother and as of this writing is wandering alone along the Madison River searching for her. Yet another newborn calf had its leg shattered and was forced to run for miles supporting its weight on the knee joint. Yet the haze pushed on.

And the buffalo will push on. They will again return to reclaim their stolen ground, and one day not too long from now, they will succeed.

~Roman Sanchez
BFC Volunteer and Board Member

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* BFC Needs You on the Front Lines!

Buffalo Field Campaign is looking for volunteers to join us on the front lines now. Buffalo migration is in full swing and our shaggy friends are everywhere, keeping us busy nearly 24 hours a day. Extreme and invasive hazing operations have begun, and will likely continue throughout the rest of the month, and possibly beyond. We need you to join us on the front lines! BFC provides room, board, training, and gear; the ecosystem provides the magic and mystery. If you are interested, please contact Chris, our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@buffalofieldcampaign.org or call 406-646-0070.

We are also looking for summer volunteers to help us with outreach in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Talking to park visitors who are in the company of the buffalo we are trying to protect is a great way to raise awareness and make more friends for the buffalo. If you would like to spend some or all of your summer with BFC, please contact Mike at mease@wildrockies.org or call 406-646-0070.

See you in West Yellowstone in the land of the last wild buffalo!

——————————
* Apple Laptop Computer Needed for BFC’s Media Crew

BFC’s media crew is looking for a good Apple/Mac laptop computer. All of our computers are currently stationary systems, and a laptop will enable us to work from other locations and consequently be more effective with communications and outreach. All donations to BFC are tax deductible and are very much appreciated! If you can help us acquire a laptop please contact Stephany at bfc-media@wildrockies.org or call us at 406-646-0070.

——————————
* Last Words

“If your mercy is so cruel, what do you have for justice?”

~ Bernard Pomerance, from The Elephant Man (The Play)
——————————
* Kill Tally

AMERICAN BISON ELIMINATED from the last wild population in the U.S.
2008-2009 Total: 17

2008-2009 Slaughter: 0
2008-2009 Hunt: 1
2008-2009 Quarantine: 0
2008-2009 Shot by Agents: 1
2008-2009 Highway Mortality: 16

2007-2008 Total: 1,631

Total Since 2000: 3,698*
*includes lethal government action, quarantine, hunts, highway mortalities
——————————

Media & Outreach
Buffalo Field Campaign
P.O. Box 957
West Yellowstone, MT 59758
406-646-0070
bfc-media@wildrockies.org
http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org

BFC is the only group working in the field every day
in defense of the last wild buffalo population in the U.S.

KEEP BFC ON THE FRONTLINES WITH A TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION TODAY

Join Buffalo Field Campaign — It’s Free!

Tell-a-Friend

Take Action!

ROAM FREE!

Buffalo Field Campaign
Yellowstone Bison
Update from the Field
May 7, 2009

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——————————
In this issue:
* Update from the Field (New Video)
* BFC Needs You on the Front Lines!
* Freedom to Roam: Patagonia Features Wild Buffalo
* Apple Laptop Computer Needed for BFC’s Media Crew
* Last Words
* Kill Tally

——————————

* Update from the Field

This mama buffalo and her newborn calf have had a very difficult week.

Chaos is reigning along Yellowstone National Park’s western boundary as the thumping of chopper blades and the shouts of government agents repeatedly harass wild buffalo families and all wildlife near the Madison River. Nearly 200 buffalo - including dozens of newborn calves, yearlings, and pregnant mothers - have been ruthlessly run off of their spring habitat within the Gallatin National Forest. Agents are out harassing buffalo as this Update is being written.

Newborn buffalo calves and many pregnant buffalo cows have been run for miles through pockets of deep snow, barbed wire fences, thick forests laden with dead-fall, fast moving river currents, mucky wetlands, and steep, sandy bluffs. For these babies, it is a terrible and sometimes deadly introduction to the world. The new and developing muscles of these little ones cannot sustain such abuse. Today, mounted Montana Department of Livestock and Yellowstone National Park horsemen have picked up the hazing operation at Yellowstone’s border, after it left Gallatin National Forest land, and are currently pushing the exhausted buffalo deep into Yellowstone National Park’s interior with the assistance of the Montana Department of Livestock’s helicopter.

Two days ago, Buffalo Field Campaign patrols witnessed one baby buffalo unable escape the DOL agents, trying unsuccessfully to negotiate a barbed wire fence. Numerous times the baby buffalo ran into the sharp, unforgiving fence, as its worried mother waited. Frightened, the little one finally scrambled through, only to be continuously pursued by the harsh, aggressive actions of Department of Livestock agents.

Yesterday and today patrols documented buffalo being hazed across the Madison River by horses and the helicopter after being forced to run for miles. The buffalo were exhausted and yesterday three little calves narrowly escaped being carried away by the river. One baby buffalo collapsed after it used it’s last bit of energy to climb the steep bank. It took every ounce of restraint for our patrols not to jump in and help it out. Thankfully, the baby was able to finally climb the bank. While these horrific events take a tremendous toll on the buffalo, it is amazing to see the strength and resolve that enables them to escape.

Watch BFC’s video footage from this week and please share these images with others so that more people can be made aware of what is happening. Then, please take a moment to contact President Barack Obama - even if you have already done so - and continue to urge him to take immediate action to stop the harassment and slaughter of these gentle giants.

All of these heavy-handed management actions have been taking place south of the Madison River. Next week, the rest of the western boundary lands, including the always cattle-free Horse Butte Peninsula, will be terrorized. May 15 marks the dreaded day where livestock interests demand that all wild bison be forced out of Montana, even though there’s not a cow in sight.

Your federal tax dollars are being wasted to harass buffalo and all the wildlife in this fragile ecosystem because the cattle industry doesn’t want wild buffalo eating grass they claim is for their cows alone. They use the fraudulent brucellosis argument as means to scare the public into accepting that these horrific actions are necessary. Yet there’s not a single cow in sight, and there’s never been a documented case of wild bison transmitting the cattle-disease brucellosis back to livestock. And even if there were, neither invasive cattle nor the economic interests of Montana’s cattle industry are worth this disastrous management scheme that harms America’s last wild bison population, terrorizing the Yellowstone ecosystem and all of her inhabitants. As an example of wasteful government spending, all of the past week’s activities have essentially been focused to cater to the interests of one small hobby rancher who won’t even have cattle on his ranch until mid- to late-June.

The lives of wild buffalo must not be sacrificed for invasive cattle. Please take action now and help spread the word to save the last wild herds!

ROAM FREE!

——————————
* BFC Needs You on the Front Lines!

Buffalo Field Campaign is looking for volunteers to join us on the front lines now. Buffalo migration is in full swing and our shaggy friends are everywhere, keeping us busy nearly 24 hours a day. Extreme and invasive hazing operations have begun, and will likely continue throughout the rest of the month, and possibly beyond. We need you to join us on the front lines! BFC provides room, board, training, and gear; the ecosystem provides the magic and mystery. If you are interested, please contact Chris, our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@buffalofieldcampaign.org or call 406-646-0070.

We are also looking for summer volunteers to help us with outreach in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Talking to park visitors who are in the company of the buffalo we are trying to protect is a great way to raise awareness and make more friends for the buffalo. If you would like to spend some or all of your summer with BFC, please contact Chris at volunteer@buffalofieldcampaing.org or call 406-646-0070.

See you in West Yellowstone in the land of the last wild buffalo!

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Freedom to Roam: Patagonia Features Wild Buffalo

Patagonia, Inc. has been a long-time supporter of Buffalo Field Campaign helping us in so many ways we could never thank them enough. Patagonia sets the example for businesses to become ecologically-minded, walking the talk for decades, championing numerous efforts around the globe that aim to protect wild places and the creatures that live there.

In their most recent initiative, Freedom to Roam, Patagonia is featuring wild buffalo and the efforts of locally-based organizations to help America’s last wild population recover their stolen ground. Patagonia explains, “Freedom to Roam is Patagonia’s current environmental campaign. Its goal is to create, restore and protect wildways or corridors between habitats so animals can survive. Patagonia’s partners in Freedom to Roam include the Freedom to Roam Coalition, which includes other companies, conservation organizations, rural activists, recreation groups, and those who live on the land.”

View a video clip featuring Horse Butte Neighbors of Buffalo, Buffalo Field Campaign, and our wild shaggy friends themselves. Thank you Patagonia!

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* Apple Laptop Computer Needed for BFC’s Media Crew

BFC’s media crew is looking for a good Apple/Mac laptop computer. All of our computers are currently stationary systems, and a laptop will enable us to work from other locations and consequently be more effective with communications and outreach. All donations to BFC are tax deductible and are very much appreciated! If you can help us acquire a laptop please contact Stephany at bfc-media@wildrockies.org or call us at 406-646-0070.

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* Last Words

“The hubris [of those] who believe that nature will fall apart if humans aren’t there “managing” the land is unbelievable. All livestock production in the arid West has unavoidable ecological impacts-changes in nutrient cycles, changes in fire regimes, soil compaction, spread of weeds, competition with native herbivores, damage to riparian zones, dewatering rivers (for irrigation), and so forth. And the list of species endangered or jeopardized primarily or largely as a result of livestock production includes many animals … Indeed, livestock grazing is the single greatest cause of species endangerment in the West. ”

~ George Wuerthner Wildlands champion and editor of “Welfare Ranching: The Subsidized Destruction of the American West”

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* Kill Tally

AMERICAN BISON ELIMINATED from the last wild population in the U.S.
2008-2009 Total: 17

2008-2009 Slaughter: 0
2008-2009 Hunt: 1
2008-2009 Quarantine: 0
2008-2009 Shot by Agents: 1
2008-2009 Highway Mortality: 15

2007-2008 Total: 1,631

Total Since 2000: 3,698*
*includes lethal government action, quarantine, hunts, highway mortalities

——————————
Media & Outreach
Buffalo Field Campaign
P.O. Box 957
West Yellowstone, MT 59758
406-646-0070
bfc-media@wildrockies.org
http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org

BFC is the only group working in the field every day
in defense of the last wild buffalo population in the U.S.

KEEP BFC ON THE FRONTLINES WITH A TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION TODAY

Join Buffalo Field Campaign — It’s Free!

Tell-a-Friend

Take Action!

LET THE BUFFALO ROAM FREE!!

Buffalo Field Campaign
Yellowstone Bison
Update from the Field
April 30, 2009

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——————————
In this issue:
* Update from the Field
* BFC Needs You on the Front Lines!
* Calling All Horse People!
* Last Words
* Kill Tally

——————————
* Update from the Field

It has been an intense week for buffalo. BFC volunteers are out in the field and on the road with the buffalo nearly 24 hours a day. If you are able to join us on the front lines, please see our call for volunteers below. The buffalo and BFC need you!

Near Gardiner, along Yellowstone’s north boundary, National Park Service and Department of Livestock agents have been actively hazing various groups of buffalo. Multiple management actions aimed to appease cattle interests have been taking place within this enormous wildlife migration corridor. So far, there have been no buffalo captured. Yesterday, four bulls were hazed back to Yellowstone, and again today, Park Rangers hazed 32 buffalo to just outside the Roosevelt Arch. Other groups of buffalo are around the Gardiner area, including some in town.

On the western boundary, a few bull bison were hazed back into Yellowstone National Park earlier this week by Montana Department of Livestock (DOL) agents. The buffalo’s “crime” was in stepping onto the private land of the Koelzer family, who allows the DOL to operate the Duck Creek bison trap on their property. Like so many other obstacles the buffalo must face, the Koelzer property and other houses with fenced in yards block a migration route favored especially by bull bison.

There has been a large bachelor group of bull bison roaming the area near Duck and Cougar Creeks, along Highways 191 and 287 this week; they are massive and incredibly impressive. BFC has been with these bulls every day and through the nights, warning traffic of their presence. Buffalo have no qualms about walking right down the middle of the road, sometimes side by side in numbers, taking the highway over. It’s a beautiful sight; this is their land and they are happy to remind us of it. Numerous travelers can’t help but pull over in admiration; being in the presence of North America’s largest land mammals is truly an awesome experience. It is shameful and sad that these magnificent creatures who have been around for over 10,000 years are forced to abandon their ancient practices, and unwillingly yield to the selfish wishes of Montana’s cattle industry. So far, other than the challenges of fences and traffic, these bulls have been left alone, but we don’t trust that the DOL will leave them in peace for long.

Along the south side of the Madison River, the DOL, National Park Service, Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks, and U.S. Forest Service, with aid from Gallatin County law enforcement, have been hazing buffalo in earnest, all week. According to the new adaptive changes to the IBMP, 30 buffalo are allowed to be in this area, but they only have a few miles of ground where they are “tolerated.” These tolerance zones are meaningless to buffalo who know no man-made borders. They continued their migration and agents began to haze them when they approached private property owned by someone who does not like bison, about a mile from Idaho’s border. View BFC’s footage here. The panting and terrified buffalo were run by agents on snowmobiles and in trucks down busy Highway 20, through barbed wire fences and deep snow, before losing them in the thick forests along the Madison River. This area is always a challenge for the agents; the woods are wide and thick and the clever buffalo lose the agents every time. So today the DOL brought out their ATVs and helicopter and proceeded to disrupt the ecosystem. Approximately 29 buffalo, including many pregnant mamas, fled through the forest to escape the thumping blades of the chopper. In the course of the haze, the DOL apparently scared up two grizzly bears, who were disrupted by the pounding helicopter and yelling agents. Hazing operations harm not only buffalo, but all of the creatures who live in this ecosystem including wolves, moose, elk, Sand Hill cranes, bald and golden eagles, fox, badgers, and more.

Bison continue to make their way in and out of the Park, to and from Horse Butte and surrounding areas, having to cross Highway 191 to access critical habitat. We are continuously out on the roads, putting up our hot pink warning signs, and helping prevent bison/vehicle collisions. We are pleased to report that there have been no more bison highway mortalities. Unfortunately, one of our “Buffalo Crossing” signs was vandalized by an unknown antagonist. We are making attempts to fix it, but we may need to purchase a new one.

We expect that agents will be out harassing buffalo full time, through the end of May or even beyond. Even though there is not a cow in sight, and there has never been a case of wild bison transmitting brucellosis to them anyway. The mismanagement of America’s last wild population of bison must end. Please, if you have not already done so, contact President Barack Obama and urge him to take positive action for these gentle grazers who can heal the wounded land.

——————————
* BFC Needs You on the Front Lines!

Buffalo Field Campaign is looking for volunteers to join us on the front lines now. Buffalo migration is in full swing and our shaggy friends are everywhere, keeping us busy nearly 24 hours a day. BFC provides room, board, training, and gear; the ecosystem provides the magic and mystery. If you are interested, please contact Brock, our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@buffalofieldcampaign.org or call 406-646-0070.

We are also looking for summer volunteers to help us with outreach in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Talking to park visitors who are in the company of the buffalo we are trying to protect is a great way to raise awareness and make more friends for the buffalo. If you would like to spend some or all of your summer with BFC, please contact Mike at mease@wildrockies.org or call 406-646-0070.

See you in West Yellowstone in the land of the last wild buffalo!

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* Calling All Horse People!

Horse lovers are needed to take action for the buffalo! The May ‘09 issue of Western Horseman has an article in it called “When the Buffalo Roam.” The article glorifies the Department of Livestock’s role in bison harassment, romanticizing the violent actions these so-called cowboys make when they haze buffalo year after year. The article is completely one-sided, sugar-coated, and frankly twisted, to say the least. Unfortunately, the article is not posted online without a subscription. Please visit your local newsstand, pick up a copy, and write a letter to the editor of Western Horseman, and help tell the truth of what these “cowboys” are really doing.

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* Last Words

“… they have the huge rump-like hump, the giant head, the eyeball the size of a billiard ball. What’s not to like?”

~Padgett Powell

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* Kill Tally

AMERICAN BISON ELIMINATED from the last wild population in the U.S.
2008-2009 Total: 17

2008-2009 Slaughter: 0
2008-2009 Hunt: 1
2008-2009 Quarantine: 0
2008-2009 Shot by Agents: 1
2008-2009 Highway Mortality: 15

2007-2008 Total: 1,631

Total Since 2000: 3,698*
*includes lethal government action, quarantine, hunts, highway mortalities
——————————
Media & Outreach
Buffalo Field Campaign
P.O. Box 957
West Yellowstone, MT 59758
406-646-0070
bfc-media@wildrockies.org
http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org

BFC is the only group working in the field every day in defense of the last wild buffalo population in the U.S.

KEEP BFC ON THE FRONTLINES WITH A TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION TODAY

Join Buffalo Field Campaign — It’s Free!

Tell-a-Friend

Take Action!

ROAM FREE!!

–

Buffalo Field Campaign
Yellowstone Bison
Update from the Field
April 23, 2009

——————————
——————————
In this issue:
* Update from the Field
* BFC Needs You on the Front Lines!
* Apple Laptop Computer Needed for BFC’s Media Crew
* Last Words
* Kill Tally

——————————
* Update from the Field

Dear Buffalo Friends,

Along the western boundary of Yellowstone, the first known buffalo calf of the season has been born on Horse Butte! The next buffalo generation is arriving.

The funny thing is, we did not take these pictures. In fact, we haven’t even seen the baby buffalo yet. One of our patrols found a camera on Pine Needle Road, where we drop volunteers off for Horse Butte patrols, and it just so happened to contain pictures of this little calf that were taken on April 20th. We are making an effort to locate the camera’s owner.

This baby buffalo, and those soon to come, may have a little time to play, sleep, and eat in peace, but come May 15, their little legs will be forced to travel great distances when agents appear with horses, trucks, ATVs, a helicopter, and law enforcement to chase them out of Montana. For now, however, their biggest threat is the highway.

Buffalo are really on the move, and most have once again left Horse Butte. Luckily, on Sunday, our friend Jim Macdonald of Buffalo Allies of Bozeman got to spend time with us and over 170 buffalo on Horse Butte. Jim is a long time buffalo warrior, but this was his first time on Horse Butte. It was one of those magical days that words can not adequately describe, but you can see a series of Jim’s photos.

The very next day, patrols on Horse Butte watched in awe as most of these buffalo suddenly kicked up their heels and ran full speed down the Butte, inspiring their friends on the flats to join them in a speedy migration eastward along the Madison River bluffs. It’s been amazing to see how they behave when left alone by agents. They go where they want to go, stay as long as they want to stay, and venture wherever their beautiful cloven hooves will take them. Unfortunately, their hooves often take them across Highway 191, which is unavoidable as it dissects their migration corridors.

BFC has been running night patrols every evening and buffalo are keeping us busy all day, every day, as we monitor their migration and warn traffic of their presence in our effort to reduce bison/vehicle collisions. Our signs are an enormous boon to this effort and we are forever grateful to you for helping us acquire them. BFC’s role of buffalo crossing guard is a direct action that is clearly saving buffalo lives.

One buffalo was lost this week, but in an amazingly natural way: a yearling was taken down by a grizzly bear beside the Madison River. Our patrols had seen a young grizzly, and the next day we learned that a bear had successfully hunted a young buffalo. That’s quite a feat for a young bear, so it may be that this bear’s mother is also in the neighborhood. She would likely have the experience and strength to penetrate the protective herd. Needless to say, there is electric excitement knowing grizzly bears are around in the areas we patrol, and volunteers are being extremely cautious and bear aware.

We are very pleased to let you know that no more buffalo have been hit on the highway since reports from our last Update. Many thanks to everyone who took the time to write to Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer and the Montana Department of Transportation. It has made a difference: the marquee signs have recently been changed to include the message “15 Bison Impacts This Year” and we have noticed a highway patrolman enforcing the 55 MPH speed limit. More still needs to be done, so BFC will continue to work with other buffalo allies to push for better permanent signs, nighttime speed reductions during migration, and safe passage projects that will allow buffalo and other wildlife to cross the busy highway without having to step on the road.

Thank you all for being with us and for the buffalo!

Roam Free,
~Stephany

——————————
* BFC Needs You on the Front Lines!

Buffalo Field Campaign is looking for volunteers to join us on the front lines now. Buffalo migration is in full swing and our shaggy friends are everywhere, keeping us busy nearly 24 hours a day. BFC provides room, board, training, and gear; the ecosystem provides the magic and mystery. If you are interested, please contact Brock, our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@buffalofieldcampaing.org or call 406-646-0070.

We are also looking for summer volunteers to help us with outreach in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Talking to park visitors who are in the company of the buffalo we are trying to protect is a great way to raise awareness and make more friends for the buffalo. If you would like to spend some or all of your summer with BFC, please contact Mike at mease@wildrockies.org or call 406-646-0070.

We also have a job opening for a Summer Maintenance Coordinator. We’re looking for someone who is handy with tools, knows what it takes to maintain cabins, and is also mechanically inclined. If you are interested, please contact Mike at mease@wildrockies.org or call 406-646-0070.

See you in West Yellowstone in the land of the last wild buffalo!

——————————
* Apple Laptop Computer Needed for BFC’s Media Crew

BFC’s media crew is looking for a good Apple/Mac laptop computer. All of our computers are currently stationary systems, and a laptop will enable us to work from other locations and consequently be more effective with communications and outreach. All donations to BFC are tax deductible and are very much appreciated! If you can help us acquire a laptop please contact Stephany at bfc-media@wildrockies.org or call us at 406-646-0070.

——————————
* Last Words

“It is through this mysterious power that we too have our being, and we therefore yield to our neighbors, even to our animal neighbors, the same right as ourselves to inhabit this vast land.”

~ Chief Tatanka Iyotank (Sitting Bull), Hunkpapa Lakota holy man (1831-1890)

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* Kill Tally

AMERICAN BISON ELIMINATED from the last wild population in the U.S.
2008-2009 Total: 17

2008-2009 Slaughter: 0
2008-2009 Hunt: 1
2008-2009 Quarantine: 0
2008-2009 Shot by Agents: 1
2008-2009 Highway Mortality: 15

2007-2008 Total: 1,631

Total Since 2000: 3,698*
*includes lethal government action, quarantine, hunts, highway mortalities
——————————
Media & Outreach
Buffalo Field Campaign
P.O. Box 957
West Yellowstone, MT 59758
406-646-0070
bfc-media@wildrockies.org
http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org

BFC is the only group working in the field every day
in defense of the last wild buffalo population in the U.S.

KEEP BFC ON THE FRONTLINES WITH A TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION TODAY

Join Buffalo Field Campaign — It’s Free!

Tell-a-Friend

Take Action!

ROAM FREE!
–

Buffalo Field Campaign
Yellowstone Bison
Update from the Field
April 16, 2009

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——————————
In this issue:
* Update from the Field
* Volunteers Needed Now & in the Summer!
* Food for Patrols: Donations Needed
* Celebrate Mothers: Human and Bison
* BFC Attends IBMP Meetings in Bozeman
* It Was a Blast! Bluegrass & Beyond BFC Benefit
* Last Words
* Kill Tally

——————————
* Update from the Field

Dear Buffalo Friends,

Yellowstone Rangers hazed a small mixed group of buffalo that were a few miles inside the Park border, near Gardiner, Montana. Over the past two weeks, these buffalo have been moving within the Park in the areas of Powerline Flats and Shooter Flats, the former marking the zone where management actions are triggered. We are hopeful that these buffalo will find satisfaction in the grasses a little deeper inside the Park so they are not harassed any longer.

Horse Butte is again teeming with buffalo! Everywhere we look there’s a group of buffalo, grazing, playing, and enjoying their time unmolested by agents. It’s encouraging to see how healthy the buffalo look, and it shows in their playfulness with one another. It has been really amazing for us to see them move the way they want to, on their own terms, coming to the Butte, disappearing in one morning only to return again a few days later with many more friends.

Not all of the buffalo that migrate towards Horse Butte have made it, however. On Saturday night and again during the dark and early hours of Monday morning, at least fifteen buffalo were struck and consequently killed while trying to cross Highway 191 on their way to Horse Butte. Astoundingly, no humans were hurt in these collisions; but people may not always be so lucky. Some of the buffalo died on impact, others survived with injuries so severe that one local resident, and agents from the Department of Livestock and Fish, Wildlife & Parks shot them to end their suffering. Patrols suspect that there are a couple other injured buffalo that have eluded the agents’ gunshots to find a quiet place to die alone. We are keeping an eye out for them, but we hope their suffering is over and that they are undiscovered so, should they die, they help sustain bears, wolves and ravens, rather than being transported by officials to the local dump.

Bison are nearly impossible to see in the dark, due to their dark coats and non-reflective eyes. They do not fear and bound across the road as other animals do; they take their time to graze along the highway where, due to plowing, some of the first grasses appear after a long winter. Sometimes they even choose to bed down on the warm asphalt that has dissected their migratory path. In the dark, people never even see bison in the road until it’s too late, especially traveling at high speeds, as was the case in the three separate incidents this week.

You, dear buffalo supporters, have helped us save countless buffalo lives along the highway by enabling us to purchase professional warning signs that alert motorists to the presence of bison on the road. Over the past few years, the use of these signs has prevented more bison - and possibly human - injuries and deaths than we can imagine. However, in the dark of night, the task of warning motorists is very dangerous and difficult. While BFC has been running all-night patrols, we need help from the state who must take on some responsibility to increase awareness and to help make the highway less dangerous for bison and travelers. With fewer than 3,000 bison left in the last wild population, these gentle giants cannot sustain being lost to the highways, especially with the management actions of the Interagency Bison Management Plan taking such a senseless, heavy toll.

In years past, BFC was instrumental in getting the Montana Department of Transportation to erect marquee signs that warn of bison on the highway, and we were successful in getting the speed limits lowered from 70mph to 55mph on Highway 191 from Fir Ridge to West Yellowstone, the 10-mile stretch of asphalt in the middle of the bison’s migration corridors. Bison frequently cross this busy road to get to other, favored habitat. However, DOT had changed the signs to read “Animals on Highway” instead of “Bison on Highway,” which is much less effective, and the speed limit has not been strictly enforced. Since the tragedy of these recent incidents, BFC has again appealed to the state’s Department of Transportation, Governor Schweitzer and other Montana decision-makers asking them to increase warning signs, enforce lowered speed limits, and secure funding to implement safe passage projects so that bison and other wildlife may cross this busy stretch of road safely. A thoughtful coalition of powerful local and national groups have also sent a letter to Montana decision-makers as well as Montana’s U.S. Senators urging them to take immediate action. Montana recently received over $200 million from the federal government for highway projects, and we are hopeful the state will allocate some of that money for our collective requests.

TAKE ACTION: If you are a Montana resident, visitor to Yellowstone, if you or your loved ones travel through this region, or if you simply love wild bison, your voice is critical! Please contact the Montana Department of Transportation and Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer, strongly urging them to make highways safer for America’s last wild bison and the people who travel through this region.

Thank you for all that you do to help the buffalo! We could not be here working in their defense without your dedication and support.

Roam Free!
~Stephany

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* Volunteers Needed Now & in the Summer!

With the buffalo’s migration finally underway, we are in need of volunteers for both spring and summer. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the splendor of the Yellowstone Ecosystem, this is the way to do it! Whether joining us on the front lines for the first time or as a returning volunteer, we need you! BFC is looking for folks for our spring field season and for the summer months when volunteers run our outreach tables in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. We are also looking for a Maintenance Coordinator who is mechanically inclined and can help keep our vehicles and cabins in running order. There are many ways to plug in at BFC: in the field, in our offices, and around the property — opportunities abound, and any skills you bring we can put to good use. Help bear witness and strengthen the voice for wild buffalo. It is especially helpful if you have a valid drivers license and can drive a standard. BFC provides room, board, and training and we can outfit you with necessary gear.

If you are interested in volunteering this spring field season, please contact Brock or Will, our volunteer coordinators, at volunteer@buffalofieldcampaign.org or call 406-646-0070. People interested in volunteering for our summer campaign, or interested in the summer Maintenance Coordinator position should contact Mike at mease@wildrockies.org or call 406-646-0070. See you in West Yellowstone with the last wild buffalo!

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* Food for Patrols: Donations Needed

The spring has brought snow, warm days, and lots of buffalo out of the park. We are now running full patrols and people are spending between 8 and 10 hours a day in the field documenting the migration. We are also running night patrols to warn travelers of buffalo crossing Highway 191. This time of year, with the long hours, food is a needed friend for our tireless volunteers. We could use donations of coffee, hot chocolate, chocolate (dark is great!), energy bars, fruit bars, candy, hot apple cider mix, chips, crackers, jam, and peanut butter.

If you can assist us with food donations for our field patrols, please contact BFC’s Kitchen Coordinator, Grumble, at kitchen@buffalofieldcampaign.org or send packages to BFC-Kitchen, P.O. Box 957, West Yellowstone, MT 59758. All donations are tax deductible. In lieu of in-kind donations, you can make a secure online monetary contribution for “patrol food” by clicking here.

THANK YOU!

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* Celebrate Mothers: Human and Bison

Mother’s Day is a perfect time to reflect on the Earth we intend to leave to future generations. Will we “see beyond our own time” to ensure that wild bison roam free? That our children’s children will have the chance to marvel at these magnificent wild creatures? This is what Buffalo Field Campaign works for, with your generous support. We will send a beautiful card to the person of your choice. This year, our popular Mother’s Day card features a hand-drawn (and reproduced) original copied from a smaller, accompanying photo of mom and baby in Yellowstone. Our card is appropriate for all the nurturing relationships you’d like to honor with a gift to BFC.

The deadline for orders is Wednesday, April 22, 2009. A minimum donation of $15 is requested for each card you would like us to send. For more information, and to order, click here.

Or send a check or money order (no cash, please) to: BFC / PO Box 957 / West Yellowstone, MT 59758. Thank You!

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* BFC Attends IBMP Meetings in Bozeman

On Wednesday and Thursday, a small group from BFC traveled to Bozeman to attend the Interagency Bison Management Plan meetings. Ironically, after a long discussion over improving public process and input, when BFC asked a question during public comment, we were cut off. Though two agency heads did respond to our question after the meeting, it was a case in point that the public voice is given very little, if any, weight.

Throughout the meetings the public called on the agencies to scrap the Interagency Bison Management Plan and start over with a new Environmental Impact Statement, and we highlighted the need for habitat outside Yellowstone National Park. Even the Montana State Veterinarian, Marty Zaluski, representing the Department of Livestock, stated that slaughtering buffalo as has been their practice is not sustainable. To our amazement, after years of making these requests, it seems it’s finally sinking in: On the second day of the meeting, the agencies themselves brought up the idea of initiating an Environmental Impact Statement, while they also underscored the need for acquiring more habit for buffalo outside Yellowstone’s boundaries. During public comment, those of us who spoke maintained that the status quo is disastrously failing wild buffalo while we let them know we were encouraged that they would consider more habitat and scrapping the IBMP to start over with a plan that responds to the changing environment, new science, and with respect for buffalo as valued, native wildlife. The lesson here is that we are making a difference and must never let up.

Many thanks to Jim, Genevieve and River of Buffalo Allies of Bozeman for once again opening your home to BFC so we could attend both days of these meetings and spend quality time with fellow buffalo advocates.

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* It Was a Blast! Bluegrass & Beyond BFC Benefit

What a night! The Pour House was packed on Saturday night for “Bluegrass & Beyond: A Benefit for Buffalo Field Campaign.” Sponsored by BFC and Buffalo Allies of Bozeman, the night was a success. There were hundreds of people in attendance, learning about the buffalo and dancing to the amazing music of very talented local bands: everyone there was thinking about the buffalo, and many took the time to take action, learn more, and help keep BFC on the front lines and help create a Montana where wild bison are free to roam and are cherished for their existence.

WE GIVE THANKS: To BFC volunteer Art Brown for being inspired to organize the event. To Buffalo Allies of Bozeman for co-sponsoring and supporting the entire effort, creating flyers, doing outreach, speaking, tabling, and so much more! To all the BFC and BAB volunteers who helped run our long stretch of tables. To all the BFC volunteers who stayed at camp to be with the buffalo. To the Pour House for the space provided. To all the wonderful businesses who donated terrific raffle items. To Clarence for his incredible MCing talents. To NRDC for their support and for speaking so passionately. To the talented bands who gave their time and energy to the buffalo and inspired everyone to cut a rug: Billy, Greg Keeler, Comstock Lode, Bridger Creek Boys, Thermal Grass, Jawbone Railroad, and 10 Foot Tall & 80 Proof. And to everyone who attended the event and took action for the buffalo! THANK YOU!!

View some photos from this fun event here.

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* Last Words

“I don’t think it’s suitable for us to conduct large [bison] population reductions.”

~ Marty Zaluski, Montana State Vet, at the Interagency Bison Mangement Plan meetings in Bozeman, April 8-9. BFC agrees wholeheartedly and we will hold you to these words, Marty!

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* Kill Tally

AMERICAN BISON ELIMINATED from the last wild population in the U.S.
2008-2009 Total: 17

2008-2009 Slaughter: 0
2008-2009 Hunt: 1
2008-2009 Quarantine: 0
2008-2009 Shot by Agents: 1
2008-2009 Highway Mortality: 15

2007-2008 Total: 1,631

Total Since 2000: 3,698*
*includes lethal government action, quarantine, hunts, highway mortalities
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Media & Outreach
Buffalo Field Campaign
P.O. Box 957
West Yellowstone, MT 59758
406-646-0070
bfc-media@wildrockies.org
http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org

BFC is the only group working in the field every day
in defense of the last wild buffalo population in the U.S.

KEEP BFC ON THE FRONTLINES WITH A TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION TODAY

Join Buffalo Field Campaign — It’s Free!

Tell-a-Friend

Take Action!

ROAM FREE!

Buffalo Field Campaign
Yellowstone Bison
Update from the Field
April 9, 2009

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In this issue:
* Update from the Field–MIxed Herds on the Move
* Mother’s Day Cards in Support of Buffalo Field Campaign
* Last Words
* Kill Tally

——————————* Update from the Field

Greetings Buffalo Friends,

Spring is in full swing this week in Yellowstone country and we are happy to report that the buffalo are freely roaming the thawing landscape. The group of 60 buffalo that was on Horse Butte last week decided to head back to the park on Saturday and spent a few days along the Madison River just inside the boundary. As of this writing, this group is again heading out of the Park towards the Butte, their numbers now expanded to over 90. Besides witnessing the buffalo wander as their instincts command, we have been blessed with many other signs of spring. Sandhill cranes, killdeer, osprey, white pelicans, and other migratory birds are returning to their summer nesting grounds. Wolves have been busy too, taking down two elk within sight of our regular patrols.

Even though this herd has been safe inside the park, and the adaptive management plan gives them temporary tolerance on Horse Butte, the migration corridor remains unsafe. If a group of more than 30 buffalo steps to the south side of the Madison River while heading to Horse Butte, they will be subjected to the heavy-handed management of the DOL. While much of this area is perfectly suitable habitat, the arbitrary nature of the management plan denies the buffalo its use, even as a corridor. BFC keeps a watchful eye on the buffalo and a vigilant focus on the agencies that would disrupt and destroy this ancient migration.

In addition to our regular field patrols, we continue work on the policy front. On Wednesday and Thursday BFC representatives are attending and attempting to influence the latest round of meetings on the Interagency Bison Management Plan in Bozeman.

As the days get longer and the buffalo wander, we observe and ask ourselves-
Are they responding to their own instincts, or to the fear of hazing prompted by the agencies of the IBMP?

Roam Free!

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* Mother’s Day Cards in Support of Buffalo Field Campaign

Mother’s Day is a perfect time to reflect on the Earth we intend to leave to future generations. Will we “see beyond our own time” to ensure that wild bison roam free? That our children’s children will have the chance to marvel at these magnificent wild creatures?

This is what Buffalo Field Campaign works for, with your generous support. We will send a beautiful card to the person of your choice. This year, our popular Mother’s Day card features a hand-drawn (and reproduced) original copied from a smaller, accompanying photo of mom and baby in Yellowstone. Our card is appropriate for all the nurturing relationships you’d like to honor with a gift to BFC.

The deadline for orders is April 22, 2009. A minimum donation of $15 is requested for each card you would like us to send.

For more information, and to order, click here or send a check or money order (no cash, please) to: BFC / PO Box 957 / West Yellowstone, MT 59758

Thank You!

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* Last Words

“The Buffalo are coming back.”
–The wind in the leaves and needles

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* Kill Tally

AMERICAN BISON ELIMINATED from the last wild population in the U.S.

2008-2009 Total: 2

2008-2009 Slaughter: 0
2008-2009 Hunt: 1
2008-2009 Quarantine: 0
2008-2009 Shot by Agents: 1

2007-2008 Total: 1,616

Total Since 2000: 3,683*
*includes lethal government action, quarantine, hunts
——————————

Media & Outreach
Buffalo Field Campaign
P.O. Box 957
West Yellowstone, MT 59758
406-646-0070
bfc-media@wildrockies.org
http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org

BFC is the only group working in the field every day
in defense of the last wild buffalo population in the U.S.

KEEP BFC ON THE FRONTLINES WITH A TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION TODAY

Join Buffalo Field Campaign — It’s Free!

Tell-a-Friend

Take Action!