You are here

Legislation Introduced To Protect Wolves, Bison, And Grizzly Bears

Share

By

NPT Staff

Published Date

September 20, 2024

Legislation has been introduced to both chambers of Congress to provide permanent protection for wolves, grizzly bears, and bison and to expand recovery efforts for them.

Crafted by U.S. Rep. Rául Grijalva of Arizona and Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, the Tribal Heritage and American Bison, Grizzly Bear, and Wolf Restoration and Coexistence Act introduced on Thursday would also "enhance existing tribal management authorities over these species by creating oversight committees that work in unison with tribes to identify tribal lands suitable for possible reintroduction efforts."

"Bison, grizzly bears, and wolves hold significant spiritual, cultural, and ecological value to many tribal communities and our nation,” said Grijalva, the ranking Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Booker to enshrine protections for these species and ensure that conservation and management are conducted in close consultation with tribal nations. For centuries, the United States’ policies have systematically failed to honor our treaties, harming tribal nations and resulting in significant cultural losses and ecological damage. Congress has a trust responsibility to move forward from past injustices and craft policies for the future that are based on respect and recognition of tribal nations’ leadership in recovering these iconic species and their habitats."

Booker added that "American bison, grizzly bears, and gray wolves are iconic American species and are timeless symbols of our nation’s heritage, yet these animals were driven to the brink of extinctio. Building on the success of past conservation legislation like the American Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, I am proud to introduce legislation that directs the Secretary of the Interior to work closely with Indigenous communities to ensure permanent protection for these animals.”

American bison, grizzly bears, and gray wolves hold important cultural significance to many Indigenous peoples of North America, a release from Grijalva's office said. Despite their important ecological roles and cultural symbolism, during the 19th and 20th centuries each of these species was hunted to the point of eradication from most of their historic range throughout the continental United States. The elimination of these animals from their traditional ranges has dramatically compromised the integrity of their former ecosystems. Continuing to reestablish their presence – and prohibiting future eradication efforts – will restore the health of these ecosystems.

As seen with the 1995 reintroduction of gray wolves in Yellowstone National Park, reestablishing keystone species in their former ranges can have significant benefits to the ecosystem. The 1995 introduction rebalanced elk and deer populations, allowing vegetation to flourish in response to reduced herbivore grazing pressure. This landmark conservation effort helped re-stabilize the Yellowstone ecosystem, while creating an immense boom in ecotourism revenue that now generates an annual average of over $80 million for local economies in the Greater Yellowstone region. Grizzly bears play a similar role by regulating prey populations and preventing overgrazing, while bison grazing and foraging aid in plant growth and increase biodiversity by aerating soil and dispersing native seeds. These are just a few examples that demonstrate the positive impacts that bison, grizzly bears, and wolves have on North American ecosystems.

Specifically, the Tribal Heritage and American Bison, Grizzly Bear, and Wolf Restoration and Coexistence Act would:

  • Prohibit the take, possession, purchase, sale, or transport of American bison, grizzly bears, and wolves, exclusive of captive-bred bison intended for human consumption, with targeted exceptions authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to issue permits for scientific or conservation purposes and for protection of agricultural interests and public safety. 
  • Exempt religious, cultural or treaty-reserved purposes of federally recognized Indian Tribes.
  • Provide for civil and criminal penalties for violations.
  • Require consultation with federally recognized Indian Tribes before a take permit is issued under this Act or before any activity is carried out on the tribal land of a federally recognized Indian Tribe that may negatively impact habitat or increase mortality of bison, grizzly bears or wolves.
  • Authorize federally recognized Indian Tribes, in consultation with the Secretary, to manage bison, grizzly bears and wolves reintroduced on tribal land.

To celebrate the legislation, a rally will be held Sunday at 10:30 a.m. EST at the Eisenhower Memorial in Washington, D.C. The International Wildlife Coexistence Network, Guardians of the Wolves, Western Watersheds Project, Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, Cuetlachtepetl Wolf Mountain Education Center, Humane Society US, Sierra Club, Tahoe Wolf Center, the Endangered Species Coalition and their partners invite the public to stand in solidarity with tribal leaders to protect America’s most iconic wildlife and landscapes.  

Speakers will include:   

  • Devin Oldman, Arapaho, Wind River  

  • Julian Matthews, Nez Perce, Coordinator, Nimiipuu Protecting the Environment  

  • Chiara Enriquez, Karankawa Hawk Clan, Council Member  

  • Vivan Delgado, Yaqui and Tewa Pueblo  

  • Christinia Eala, Sicangu Lakota, Tiyospayn Winyan Maka, Founder   

  • Red Fawn Janis, Oglala Lakota  

  • Sheelah Bearfoot, Chiricahua Apache   

  • Osvaldo Cabral, Huichol/Zacatecos, Executive Director/Co-Founder, Cuetlachtepetl Wolf Mountain Education Center  

  • Tony Evans, Mohawk, Author, Journalist    

  • Dallas Gudgell – Yankton Dakota, Wildlife and Tribal Policy Director, IWCN   

 The groups behind the rally say the legislation "represents a crucial new paradigm in the fight for wildlife conservation and the preservation of Indigenous cultural heritage. This legislation aims to ensure that wolves, bison, and grizzly bears continue to thrive in their natural habitats, fulfilling their vital roles within North American ecosystems under tribal co-stewardship. "

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

I support Bison Bears and Wolves being protected on all Public Lands!!

I hope America eventually passes a Strong Antipoaching Bill!  


If you ca nt attend Sunday, contact your representatives to ask them to support this bill.


I will Congressman Steny Hoyer to back this proposed legislation.


Finally, this bill would truly protect our relatives for their intrinsic, ecological and cultural values. Please contact your representatives in the Senate and Congress to ask them to support the Bison, Grizzly and Wolf Protection and Coexistence Act!


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.