Restoring Bison to the CMR

The Great Plains of Montana once sustained millions of bison herds, but the population was devastated by development, human encroachment, and habitat loss. At more than a million acres, the Charles M. Russell (CMR) National Wildlife Refuge is a unique opportunity to restore a free-roaming wild population to America's public lands. The National Wildlife Federation has a vision to return bison to their native home in and around the 1.1-million-acre refuge.

These federal lands contain some of the most unique and viable native short grass habitat in the state, supporting a variety of prairie wildlife species, including pronghorn, elk, deer, sage-grouse, swift fox, and bighorn sheep. The incredible landscape can sustain a significant bison population and expand the already diverse hunting opportunities present in the CMR.

The National Wildlife Federation's efforts include:

• Developing grazing agreements on the CMR through our Adopt a Wildlife Acre program
• Finding solutions to livestock-wildlife encounters in our Wildlife Conflict Resolution program
• Hosting outdoor writers tours to provide national exposure of bison restoration efforts in Montana

This work presents a unique partnership opportunity to unite sportsmen, conservationists, and state and federal wildlife agencies to return an iconic species to their native habitat. You can help give bison the room they need to roam by adopting a wildlife acre today.