Bison & Elk Management – Talking Points
These are draft, preliminary talking points to get the public interested in this planning effort.It is very impor-
tant that we all get involved now and continue to research and formulate alternatives that respects the ecology
and native wildlife of the Jackson-Teton region.

Ecology and Science
We must insist that this planning process begin with a landscape view and scientific understanding of ecological
conditions with the goal of protecting large contiguous ranges of winter, spring and year-round habitat for bison
and elk with connecting wildlife corridors on public lands available in the ecosystem. Conservation of bison
genetics should be a guiding principle and goal of this plan.

Habitat
There are several critical issues with regard to habitat. First, traditional and historical migration corridors should
be opened to allow bison and elk to naturally disperse. Habitat expansion is key to maintaining wild, free
ranging bison and elk herds. Cattle have flat hooves which compact the soil and prevent water from reaching
the roots of native plant species. Cattle also tend to overgraze and remove plants to the roots. Bison have sharp
hooves which open up the soil to natural aeration and filtration. If allowed to freely migrate, bison leave plant
roots behind for regeneration. The natural ecology of the role bison play in the ecosystem improves habitat for
various wildlife species.

In order to maintain wild, healthy, free-roaming herds of bison and elk, large contiguous cores of habitat must
be available. Other public (federal and state) lands and private lands where landowners are willing, should be
made available for bison and elk. The Green River basin and Gros Ventre valley are suitable areas for bison and
elk to use and there are important corridors which should be maintained for wildlife use.Tribal lands must also
be considered as potential habitat because there are many who would like to establish bison herds.

Additionally, livestock grazing leases on public lands should be canceled. This would begin a process of restor-
ing habitat harmed by livestock grazing while opening up range that will restore natural habitat for wildlife use.

Winter feeding program
The winter feeding program for bison and elk should be phased out and eliminated altogether. Traditional and
historical wildlife corridors should be opened up for bison and elk migration. The winter feeding program
unnaturally congregates bison and elk increasing disease vectors. Money that would go towards the feeding
program would be better spent on conservation easements with local ranchers who want to make more habitat
available for elk and bison.

Disease concerns
Elimination of the feeding programs and increased migration for both species into large core habitat areas
would greatly reduce the risk of disease transmission. Disease has always played a role in the evolutionary
survival, fitness, and adaptation of wildlife species. Bison possess genetic traits giving them natural immunity to
many diseases including brucellosis.

Require cattle herds to be vaccinated with safe and effective vaccines. Grazing leases on public lands should be
canceled to reduce the level of contact between wildlife and cattle. Science has shown that brucellosis is not a
significant risk, as it has never been transmitted from bison to cattle in a natural setting.Cattle have mingled
with bison for 40 years in Jackson without contracting brucellosis. If ranchers are still concerned, identify
alternate grazing sites which would not conflict with wildlife values.