Montana’s governor as well as two state agencies have now sued Yellowstone National Park over bison herd management.
They argue that the plan violates federal law.
The lawsuit says that the park’s bison herd has grown in size and led to the increased spread of brucellosis, a highly contagious bacterial disease that can impact livestock.
Under the 2024 plan, Yellowstone’s bison population will be managed between 3,500 and 6,000 animals, a far jump from the 3,000 animal goal set in the year 2000.
Yellowstone’s Superintendent argues research has come a long way since that last bison management plan and this new plan solidifies that progress.
Related Stories
A look at the legislative year ahead as lawmakers return to Washington with a slate of trade concerns to tackle in 2026—from new Chinese tariffs on beef imports to the USMCA review this summer.
Farmer Bridge Assistance payments provide immediate balance-sheet support heading into 2026, but remain a short-term bridge rather than a substitute for long-term market recovery.
The New Year is here, but in Oregon, some ranchers and livestock producers are still trying to recover from record wildfires back in 2024.
