This Alternative would continue, and increase Montana's hazing, capturing and slaughtering of buffalo on public lands. The criticism comes on the heels of Friday's hearing in Helena, Montana before U.S. District Court Judge Charles C. Lovell. Judge Lovell ordered the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S.D.A's Animal Plant Health Inspection Service and the State of Montana to appear in Helena to resolve an impasse over the long-term buffalo management plan. The hearing considers the federal government's motion to dissolve the Memorandum of Understanding binding the Federal government and Montana in the joint DEIS as co-leads. The Federal government is ignoring the comments of over 60,000 people who commented on the DEIS in support of protecting wild buffalo habitat explained Jim Coefield of the Ecology Center in Missoula, Montana.
Wild buffalo hold a special place in the American public's hearts and heritage.
They need room to roam outside Yellowstone Park on Federal lands to survive. Montana's zero-tolerance stance on buffalo is scientifically, politically, and morally unacceptable. The Federal government obviously is attempting to distance themselves from Montana Governor Marc Racicot. Racicot is spending gubernatorial time attempting to gain an adminstration post should Texas Governor Bush win the Presidency. Mike Mease of the Buffalo Field Campaign said the fear of brucellosis transmitting from buffalo to cattle is a smoke screen that the government hides behind.