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.
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.
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 to stay up to date on our work and future releases.
