On Friday, January 16th we learned that the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) decided to cancel our bison grazing permits. To be clear, this decision only affects our ability to graze bison on public lands managed by the BLM. This decision does not affect our ability to graze bison on our privately-owned, deeded acres.
Over the weekend, as news of this unprecedented action hit the Montana press, we received texts, calls, and emails from so many of you. We are encouraged by the outpouring of support, and want you to know it means a great deal to our team. We also received several questions, and while this email is long, it is important to us that you understand what has happened, the implications of that decision, and that our team is feeling confident in our ability to handle whatever comes next.
About the Decision
American Prairie has had permission to graze bison on federal public lands since we reintroduced them to the area in 2005. As some of you may remember, in order to graze bison on federal public lands, we are required to submit what is called a change-of-use request—permitting us to graze bison as a livestock animal.
Over the past two decades, we have submitted three change-of-use requests. Each was followed by a comprehensive environmental analysis and ultimately approved. Most recently, a 2022 environmental review found that our bison grazing program was not only in compliance with all laws and regulations, but also benefits local wildlife, improves land and water quality, and creates new jobs in the region.
For twenty years, we faithfully adhered to the rules and regulations set forth by the BLM. However, this past Friday, we learned that the BLM has decided to cancel our permits.
What this Decision Means for American Prairie and our Bison Program
This decision is unfair, disappointing, and out of step with long-standing public-lands grazing practices in Montana. While this process is still in its early stages, our team is reviewing the decision closely and determining our course of action.
We are currently working with our legal team to explore all our options, and our bison team already has contingency plans in place that prioritize herd health and safety.
Bison are an Essential Part of a Healthy Prairie
Because we are focused on restoring a fully functioning shortgrass prairie ecosystem, bison have long been central to our work. Their ecological role is well documented: as a keystone species, bison create habitat and help sustain the diverse web of life that depends on a healthy prairie.
Over the years, our herd has also supported bison conservation far beyond American Prairie. We have distributed more than 600 bison to conservation and tribal herds across the United States, and we collaborate with leading research institutions like the Smithsonian and the National Park Service to advance work in genetics, ecology, and herd health. This science strengthens how we manage our own animals and contributes to the broader effort to restore bison across their historic range.
Holding Fast to Our Mission
While this decision presents its challenges, we want to be clear: we remain focused on our mission to create one of the largest nature reserves in the United States.
Twenty years ago, we reintroduced our first group of 16 bison to our Sun Prairie Unit. When their hooves hit the ground, it marked the end of their 120-year absence from this region and the beginning of an exciting chapter for American Prairie. In that moment, we knew we were not starting something new so much as joining something enduring: a long-standing effort to restore bison to their native lands, shaped first by the Indigenous peoples who lived alongside them for millennia, and carried forward by many others who fought to keep them from disappearing altogether. In times like this, it can be easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. American Prairie and our herd are only one part of a much larger story—one ultimately defined by strength, determination, and resilience. We are committed to doing our part to carry that story forward, and we are grateful we do not have to do it alone.
We draw strength from the same place we always have—the help and guidance of our many partners and neighbors, and the commitment and partnership of donors like you. Your support heartens us and reminds us of what is possible when people come together in pursuit of something greater than themselves.
We understand that many of you are likely eager to know what you can do to support our team and our herd. We will continue to be in touch as we learn more. In the meantime, we ask that you use your voice—share this email, start conversations in your community, and encourage others to stay informed and engaged. In moments like this, truth and transparency matter, and your advocacy helps ensure both.
If you have questions at any point, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly at mail@americanprairie.org.
With gratitude,
Alison Fox, CEO