Environment
Bison agreement with tribe under speedy review


The National Park Service is reviewing an agreement with the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation of North Dakota over allegations the tribe is mismanaging a herd that comes from a national park.

Under a five-year agreement, excess bison from Theodore Roosevelt National Park are given to the tribe. The agreement expires next year.

A veterinarian said the herd is in poor condition, an allegation refuted by tribal workers. But an ex-employee who is being transferred out of the bison unit claims the tribe neglected the herd.

A review by a veterinarian brought in by the tribe showed no major deaths.

Get the Story:
Park says 'urgent' bison issue is under review (The Bismarck Tribune 4/28)

Relevant Links:
Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation - http://www.mhanation.com

Related Stories:
N.D. tribe's bison crew rejects mismanagement claims (04/21)
N.D. tribal elders want to monitor bison herd (04/14)
N.D. tribal council to consider status of bison herd (4/13)
North Dakota tribe accused of mismanaging bison herd (4/9)
Health of N.D. tribe's bison herd questioned again (04/05)
N.D. tribe's bison herd found in good shape (04/28)
Health of N.D. tribe's bison herd questioned (4/24)