Write a Thank You to Tribal Bison Stewards.
[[link removed]]John,

This summer we had a true win for wildlife: In a collaborative effort, our
Tribal partners successfully released five male bison from the Fort Peck
Reservation in Montana to the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming. This was the
third release on Wind River since 2016, bringing the current herd size to more
than 30 bison. And we could not have done it without your support.

In celebration of National Bison Day, we wanted to make sure you have a chance
to sign our card to Wind River bison and their incredible Tribal stewards.

SIGN OUR CARD
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When we first asked wildlife champions like you to pledge your support in
returning bison to their ancestral homes, we were overwhelmed by the robust
response. Over the years you’ve affirmed your support time and time again, even
helping to select a name for Gold Star, a newly-born bison on the reservation.

Now, with the guidance of Tribal and professional bison experts, these majestic
animals can thrive on protected Tribal lands where they will proliferate, once
again taking their place as a wild species. This past spring alone we were
fortunate to welcome five new bison calves to the herd, acting as beacons of
cultural rebirth and significance for the Eastern Shoshone Tribal community.

Through their presence alone, bison improve the health of the prairie ecosystem.
By grazing, this keystone species increases the diversity of native plants; and
by rolling on their backs, they create wallows. The disturbed soils in these
wallows create habitat for pioneer plant species, and can form water reservoirs
for amphibians and other prairie wildlife.

Bison are also an iconic species for Native American peoples, with a population
that once numbered more than 30 million in the early 1900s. Now, the number of
free-ranging, wild bison has dwindled to mere thousands. The National Wildlife
Federation and Tribal partners share a common vision of returning wild bison to
their historic habitat while restoring Native Americans' cultural connections.
Your ongoing support has allowed us to successfully implement this milestone
release which united the Fort Peck and Eastern Shoshone Tribes in a historic
transfer of Yellowstone-genetic bison between two Tribal governments.

“Restoring buffalo to the Wind River Reservation not only revitalizes the
landscape and brings wildlife diversity, but rebuilds our tribe’s cultural and
historical connections to the land. We are ‘buffalo people,’ and our ancestors
are smiling upon us as we bring our people and the buffalo together once again.”
– Jason Baldes, Bison Coordinator for the National Wildlife Federation and
Eastern Shoshone Tribal Member

We invite you to sign our National Bison Day card and add a message of
appreciation to the Eastern Shoshone Tribal Partners responsible for making our
bison restoration program a success.
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Thank you for all you do for bison and wildlife,

Jason Baldes
Tribal Buffalo Coordinator, National Wildlife Federation
Eastern Shoshone Tribal Member and Buffalo Representative

P.S. Follow the Tribal Partnerships Program on Facebook
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