BFC staff, volunteers, and our huge community of supporters are still ecstatic about the ESA court victory last week. U.S. District Court Judge Randolph Moss ordered the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service scientifically re-evaluate all risks and threats to buffalo (Read More) to ensure they are protected as a species in their habitat and placed on the Endangered Species List if they need immediate protection from further harm. This is BFC’s latest victory in the courts—we are one step closer to securing protection and priority use of habitat for the last wild and migratory herd of buffalo on earth. We’ve achieved this victory together: your emails to elected officials, your generous donations to advance BFC’s mission, every share on social media, and thousands of petitions signed helped us get here and continue our work for the buffalo. Moving forward, BFC is accepting proposals from PhD biologists to conduct a scientific study of the threats facing the Yellowstone Herds (Learn More) that will be used in future Endangered Species Act litigation…. Stay tuned!
A Juvenile Bald Eagle spotted by BFC patrols
BFC’s newest community initiative, the Buffalo Backbone Subscription Giving Program is a huge success! We want to express our utmost gratitude to those who signed up over the holiday season. We couldn’t do this important work without your support, and we hope to see more of you help build a strong Buffalo Backbone soon! The program creates immersive opportunities to connect with BFC’s field work, engage in a dialogue with board members and staff, receive cool BFC gear, and gain a better understanding of all things buffalo.
A moose and her calf roam the Madison River flats
Our Buffalo Backbone Program and all of our donors support the activism and field work of BFC volunteers like Macon Doyel. It’s important that our community know the activists who work in the field and live at campaign headquarters—the Field Patrol Volunteers your donations support. Please enjoy this “Meet a Volunteer” interview with Macon.
Q: Why are wild buffalo important to you?
Macon: Wild buffalo are big, majestic beings that operate free of any human rules or laws. I can sense that they are ancient and wise. When I see them in the wild, it helps me realize how small us people are compared to the buffalo. They remind me that we share the land with wildlife, we don’t really own it.
Q: Why do you choose to volunteer with BFC?
Macon: I’m doing something that matters. We’re working towards something that isn’t creating capital for someone else. We’re doing this work to give back to the land and the buffalo. Plus, I like living an adventurous life in a beautiful place like Yellowstone.
Macon looks for signs of migration
Q: What skills have you learned in your time volunteering?
Macon: Tons of things! I’ve learned how to ski, how to track buffalo and other wildlife, how to operate spotting scopes and binoculars, and how to dress for the cold. I’ve also learned great interpersonal relationship skills, patience, and how to live in community with others.
Q: What is the best thing people can do to help the Yellowstone Herds?
Macon: Educate yourself about the ins and outs of the issue so you can spread the word to others! Even if you only share the struggle of the buffalo with a few other people you are making a difference.
Q: Is there anything you want to say to BFC’s supporters?
Macon: We are closer than we’ve ever been to securing permanent protections for the buffalo. The buffalo connect us to our earth and the land. Thanks for supporting the buffalo and those of us in the field.
Wild is the way ~ Roam Free!
