As winter approaches, the state of Montana again readies for the probability that disease-exposed bison from Yellowstone National Park will enter the state for food that the park cannot provide. As most Montanans remember, the winter of 1996-97 brought record-high out-migrations.

Some things have not changed since then.

First, bison continue to leave Yellowstone Park when they are hungry and when there is too little forage to sustain them in the park.

Second, while the federal Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has come along way since threatening sanctions against Montana in 1994, Montana still faces the threat of sanctions by other state animal health authorities. Each state in our union can place restrictions on other states related to the importation of domestic livestock to their states.

Third, Yellowstone Park's bison population has grown considerably after a relatively mild winter last year. A harsh winter could push large numbers of bison out of the park, just as happened in the winter of 1996-97.

Fourth, a long-term plan that Montana and the federal government can agree upon has not yet been achieved. State and federal agencies are continuing to develop a long-term solution to the disease-control problem.

This winter, Montana will again operate under the terms of the interim federal-state bison management agreement developed as a settlement of the 1995 state of Montana litigation against the federal government. Last spring, the court again reviewed the situation and concluded that this interim agreement enables Montana to achieve its goal to remove fewer bison while protecting its livestock industry and citizens from brucellosis.

Montana will endeavor to again capture bison and test them for disease, so that those testing negative and not of risk can be protected in Montana for the winter. Montana will also herd bison back into the park when appropriate and practicable.

As long as more than half of Yellowstone's bison population tests positive for brucellosis, as long as the promise of sanctions hangs over Montana's largest industry, and as long as hungry bison emigrate to Montana's greener pastures, Montana must and will act in accordance with the federal-state plan. To do less would waste more than 50 years and many millions of private dollars that Montana spent to rid itself of the dreaded disease of brucellosis.

We remain committed to our mission of preventing any reinfection of brucellosis in Montana, while also preserving bison and the legacy of the last remaining wild herd in the park. Fortunately, the park's current bison population is reportedly at least five times above the number scientists say is required to assure the long-term vitality and survival of the herd.

Marc Bridges, Executive Officer Montana Department of Livestock

P.O. Box 202001 Helena, Montana

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