The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) and South Phillips Grazing Districts have filed a motion to intervene in American Prairie’s case appealing the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) decision to revoke bison grazing permits in Montana.
The case, American Prairie v. U.S. Department of Interior, appealed the BLM’s order to uphold the Taylor Grazing Act’s production standard on seven allotments in Phillips County, MT.
MSGA asserts that BLM’s decision was a result of the correct interpretation of the Taylor Grazing Act and that American Prairie does not meet the production standard required to graze on the allotments.
“Cattle ranchers’ voices must be heard in this case and we must highlight the importance of lawful public lands management,” said MSGA Executive Vice President Raylee Honeycutt. “This is why we have requested to intervene in this case and to advocate for working ranchers, rural communities, and agricultural production.”
In May, BLM determined that American Prairie’s bison were primarily managed for conservation purposes rather than livestock production. The agency rescinded the group’s bison grazing permits, issued cattle-only permits on some allotments and ordered American Prairie to relocate bison by the end of September.
In early September, a judge temporarily blocked BLM’s order while the group’s lawsuit proceeds. American Prairie’s bison may remain on the Telegraph Creek, Box Elder and Whiterock allotments in the meantime.
“MSGA remains committed to defending ranching families, protecting multiple-use public lands, and ensuring federal agencies follow established law in land management decisions,” the group said.
To support MSGA’s efforts, visit mtbeef.org and select “BLM Appeal” on the donation form. — Anna Miller Fortozo, WLJ managing editor
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