Friend, we're celebrating something extraordinary—and it's all thanks to donors supporters like you.
For the first time in nearly 150 years, wild bison will soon be allowed to roam freely on public lands in Colorado. A bill passed in the Colorado Legislature will officially recognize bison as wildlife, protecting them from being shot simply for crossing an invisible border.
This moment is more than symbolic—it's historic.
Once, tens of millions of bison moved across the plains. But by the late 1800s, just two dozen wild bison remained. That devastation was no accident—it was a calculated effort by the U.S. government to control Native tribes by eliminating a vital part of their lives and culture.
With the passage of this bill, Colorado will become a place where that healing can begin. And your support made that possible.
Until now, wild bison roaming from Utah into Colorado could be legally killed the moment they crossed state lines. With this legislation, not only will that stop—but Colorado will be able to welcome back its own wild herds, reconnecting landscapes and cultures that were torn apart.
This victory comes at a time when we've seen attack after attack on laws protecting threatened and endangered species. Executive orders and Congressional spending bills are attempting to strip the Endangered Species Act of its powers and proposing wholescale sell-off of critical wildlife habitats.
But this victory shows what happens when we work together. These bison are now protected due to the efforts of a powerful coalition—including Sierra Club's national wildlife campaign, our Colorado Chapter, and Indigenous leaders who helped guide this effort every step of the way. And people like you.
They are protected because you took action.
Your previous support helped build the momentum that made this victory possible. That's the power of our community. Together, we can do what once seemed impossible: protect wildlife, restore ecosystems, and honor Indigenous leadership.
With gratitude,
Nick Gevock
Campaign Organizing Strategist
Northern Rockies Wildlands and Wildlife
Sierra Club
