The Bureau of Land Management has revoked federal grazing permits that allowed American Prairie’s bison herd to graze on public lands in northeastern Montana, bringing a high-profile and long-running dispute over public land use to a turning point.
The decision affects roughly 63,000 acres of BLM-managed land in Phillips County and removes American Prairie’s authorization to graze bison on those federal allotments. The permits were originally approved in 2022 following environmental review and public comment, but were rescinded this month after the U.S. Department of the Interior revisited its interpretation of federal grazing law.
In a decision letter issued by the BLM’s Montana/Dakotas State Office, the agency said the Taylor Grazing Act limits federal grazing permits to “domestic livestock” managed for production-oriented purposes. According to the agency, American Prairie’s bison operation — which is focused on conservation and ecological restoration rather than commercial livestock production — does not meet that definition under the statute.
The reversal follows years of opposition from Montana state officials and livestock industry groups. Governor Greg Gianforte, Attorney General Austin Knudsen, and the Montana Department of Justice have argued that allowing bison grazing under conservation-focused permits set a precedent that conflicted with long-established public land grazing policy.
Ranching organizations welcomed the decision, calling it a reaffirmation of how federal grazing allotments are intended to be used. Industry representatives have maintained that public lands grazing should prioritize traditional livestock operations that support rural economies and working ranches.
American Prairie leaders strongly criticized the move, saying it undermines regulatory certainty and reverses a decision that had already gone through a full federal review process. The organization also pointed out that bison are legally classified as livestock under Montana law and are regulated by the state in the same manner as cattle.
American Prairie said the loss of the federal permits will require changes to how its bison herd is managed, though the organization continues to operate on private and state lands across its holdings. The group also noted that it leases portions of its land back to local cattle producers and remains engaged in agricultural activity throughout the region.
The decision adds another chapter to the broader debate over conservation, livestock grazing, and the future of public lands in Montana — a debate that continues to draw strong opinions from ranchers, conservationists, and policymakers alike.
American Prairie has not ruled out legal action and says it is reviewing the decision.
Original Source: Outdoor Life
