Trump Administration Working to Displace 900 Bison in Montana, After Authorizing Grazing Permits During First Term

The recent proposal from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to revoke grazing permits for bison in Montana has been described by American Prairie CEO Alison Fox as an “unprecedented reversal.” This proposal targets permits previously granted to American Prairie, a non-profit organisation focused on conservation efforts aimed at restoring bison populations in the region.

The BLM’s proposal, unveiled in January 2026, aims to rescind grazing rights that were issued to American Prairie in 2019 during the administration of former President Donald Trump. These permits allowed bison to graze on approximately 63,000 acres of public lands in Phillips County, Montana. The organisation has played a significant role in environmental restoration, working to create a 3.2 million-acre ecosystem that provides a habitat for bison, a species classified as “near threatened” and “ecologically extinct” in their natural habitat.

American Prairie has been engaged in a long-term strategy to piece together nearly 700,000 acres of private land to complement existing public territories. The objective is to enable bison to return to areas where they once roamed freely, thus enhancing conservation herds in the region. The initial grazing permits were granted to the organisation for different areas beginning in 2005, with further approvals received in subsequent years, leading to a comprehensive grazing plan effective summer 2022.

In response to BLM’s recent proposal, American Prairie has filed a protest, claiming that the agency’s decision is “unlawful, factually incorrect, and procedurally deficient.” The non-profit expressed concerns that the revocation of grazing permits would undermine four decades of efforts dedicated to rehabilitating bison populations across federal lands in the western United States.

Should the BLM’s proposal move forward, approximately 900 bison currently on grazing sites would need to be relocated, creating logistical challenges for American Prairie and stymying their ongoing conservation initiatives. Fox emphasised the detrimental implications of this potential change, asserting that it undermines BLM’s prior environmental assessments performed before the issuance of the grazing permits. She noted the proposal raises “immense uncertainty” for various stakeholders, including tribes, ranchers, and conservation partners who rely on consistent land management practices.

Adding weight to the opposition against the BLM’s proposal, the Coalition of Large Tribes (COLT), comprising multiple Native American tribes, submitted their own protest. Representing entities such as the Navajo Nation, Crow Nation, and Blackfeet Tribe, COLT expressed concerns that the proposed actions could adversely impact conservation efforts and tribal interests.

Despite the protests from American Prairie and COLT, there remains notable support for the BLM’s proposal from local ranchers, farmers, and certain political figures. Many of these stakeholders seek the grazing land for their cattle amid rising costs linked to beef, fertilisers, and fuel prices. This highlights an ongoing conflict between livestock interests and wildlife conservation efforts in the region.

The discourse surrounding these grazing permits and the role of bison within Montana’s ecosystems represents a broader discussion concerning land management and the balance between agricultural needs and ecological sustainability. As these processes unfold, the future of bison grazing in Montana remains uncertain, entwined with political, economic, and environmental factors.

The American Prairie’s ongoing work to reintroduce bison across more extensive areas of land stands as a testament to their commitment to conservation. However, the evolution of land management policies under the BLM will be crucial in determining both the short-term and long-term prospects for these majestic animals and the ecosystem they inhabit.

As developments arise, both American Prairie and the BLM are expected to provide further insights into their plans and responses, keeping various stakeholders and the public engaged in this important environmental issue.