The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of Montana will take on some duties at the National Bison Range under a proposed self-determination agreement.

The activities cover five areas: management; biological program, including habitat management; fire; maintenance programs; and visitor services. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will retain final authority over any duties.

The annual funding agreement was reached after years of negotiations. The Indian Self-Determinaton Act recognizes a tribe's right to manage national parks and refuges but government officials, some employees and outside groups have resisted the idea.

Get the Story:
Bison Range presentations scheduled for this week (The Missoulian 9/8)

Relevant Links:
Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes - http://www.cskt.org
National Bison Range - http://bisonrange.fws.gov
Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility - http://www.peer.org

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