Court Denies Petition for Stay on Bison Grazing

October 14, 2022

The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) along with the North and South Phillips County Grazing Districts, Office of the Governor, and Montana Attorney General were denied their petitions for stay by the Office of Hearings and Appeals on Thursday. In August, the aforementioned groups filed appeals on the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) decision regarding American Prairie’s grazing allotments and petitioned for a stay on this decision. 

WATCH: Raylee Honeycutt, Interim Exec. VP – Montana Stockgrowers - shares insight on the appeal.  

“We are disappointed in this decision as we believe it is important that bison remain off the allotments until the appeal can be heard. We know this process is a marathon and not a sprint and this hurdle will not stop us and our partners from continuing to fight for Montana ranchers who graze livestock on public land,” asked Jim Steinbeisser, MSGA President.

Donations can be made at www.protectopenspaces.com. The MSGA Advocacy Fund allows for a collective voice for cattle ranchers advocating for change and accountability at the state and federal levels. MSGA’s Advocacy Fund supports issues like promoting the benefits of cattle grazing, protecting cattle grazing on public lands, and holding state and federal agencies accountable.

“We are asking everyone who is concerned about BLM’s favorable decision towards the APR and who is passionate about public land grazing, holding federal agencies accountable, and protecting and conserving Montana’s iconic open spaces to please consider donating to our advocacy fund,” said Steinbeisser.

Earlier this month, MSGA and North and South Phillips County Grazing Districts were successful in their request to deny Western Watersheds Project’s motion to intervene on the appeal. 

In a statement, American Prairie Vice President and Chief External Relations Pete Geddes 

“We are very pleased with this decision and want to thank the administrative judge’s thorough review of the facts. It is clear from the decision that the allegations of harm had no factual basis. 

We look forward to continuing to work with Montana’s ag producers to ensure our herds remain disease-free because the health of our animals is just as important to us as it is to our neighbors. We also continue to be invested in supporting educational, economic and recreational opportunities in the region.

We would prefer to collaborate with the State and livestock groups to support the long-term health of this region, but we are also prepared to continue protecting property rights and public land laws as long as necessary.”

Source: Montana Stockgrowers Association