Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913

Rediscovering the Corps

Part IV of 'Probing the Project' Explores The Journals of Lewis & Clark and Deficits in Hard Science

Former Valley County commissioner Dave Pippin asked the following question in Part III of our series on APR plans for bison release in the region: "Has there ever been a study done to evaluate the ability of the rangeland in this region to support a year-round bison herd of the size you propose in terms of winter feed and water?"

APR representatives answered Pippin with reference to, "substantial anecdotal evidence from Indian oral traditions, journals of trappers, the writings of Lewis & Clark and eyewitness accounts of 19th century settlers."

Pippin and others queried consider the APR's answer to this and other questions inadequate, even laughably so. Some, like two other contributors to our series, Ron and Rose Stoneberg, consider the lack of any meaningful scientific analysis of the possible impact of "free-roaming" bison on our natural landscape, to say nothing of our economy, an apparently cynical tactic employed for the purposes of moneymaking.

Such sentiments are representative of the feelings of many in this community. According to reliable survey work, well in excess of 80 percent of area residents are opposed to the release of unmanaged bison for any reason, moneymaking or otherwise.

Meanwhile, the APR insists that its aims are friendly, neighborly even, and that their project

 

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