How should bison be managed inside Yellowstone National Park? The National Park Service recently released a draft of their Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that includes three “alternative plans” for bison management, according to Wyoming Public Media.

Each plan calls for different objective levels and management that include continuing hunting opportunities for both the public and Tribal members for bison that leave park borders. With three plans under review, the park is requesting public comment about each one.

“The purpose of the EIS is to preserve an ecologically sustainable population of wild, wide-ranging bison while continuing to work with other agencies to address issues related to brucellosis transmission, human safety, and property damage and to support Tribal hunting outside the park,” said NPS spokesperson Linda Veress.

The public comment period ends Sept. 25, 2023 with the final EIS expected in 2024. To comment on the proposed management plans, click here.

Review the full EIS document here

“Bison management is a big topic that the public is interested in, and we welcome any feedback or suggestions that they would like to share with us,” said Veress.

There will also be two online public meetings on Aug. 28 from 10:30 a.m. to noon and on Aug. 29 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. If you want to attend one of these virtual meetings, you will be able to ask questions to the NPS staff.