Third public meeting set on planning western Montana bison range

From U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

DENVER – As part of ongoing efforts to maximize public input in its decision making, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is inviting the public to attend a third scoping meeting to help shape future management options for the National Bison Range Complex in western Montana.

This invitation follows an announcement made earlier this year in which the Service published a revised notice of intent to prepare comprehensive conservation plans, or CCPs, and accompanying environmental analysis for the National Bison Range and the rest of the units that make up the National Bison Range Complex.

That announcement opened a 30-day public comment period, which began May 18 and included two public meetings, one in Polson and another in Kalispell. This third meeting was requested by planning partners, in an effort to provide the public with additional opportunities to familiarize themselves with the various management options being considered.

Once finalized, the CCPs will outline the resource management goals and wildlife-dependent visitor recreational opportunities for the National Bison Range and the other units that make up the Complex over the next 15 years.

Specifics on the third meeting are:

Date: Wednesday, Aug. 30

Time: 6 to 8 p.m.

Location: Missoula Public Library, large meeting room

Address: 301 East Main, Missoula, MT 59802

Venue Phone: 406-721-2665

The meeting will follow an informal open-house format. A brief presentation will be given at 7 p.m., but attendees are invited to arrive any time after 6 p.m. to meet with service personnel, learn more about the CCP process, and provide input.

To learn more about the National Bison Range visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/national_bison_range.