DOI Secretary and BLM Director Admit Knowing Nothing About Bison, Zinke Demands Accountability, Transparency & Fairness for Montana Ranchers and Farmers

Press Release

This week, in two separate House Natural Resources Committee hearings, Department of Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and Bureau of Land Management Director Neil Kornze admitted to Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke that they knew nothing about the potential change-in-use permit for free-range bison that could impact up to three million acres in Montana. Director Kornze thanked Zinke for "educating" him on the issue.

On Tuesday, after Rep. Zinke explained the issue to Secretary Jewell, she claimed knowing nothing about the three-million acre project: "I am not specifically familiar with how bison graze range versus cattle graze range."

Then, just 24 hours after asking Kornze's boss about the bison, Zinke reiterated his concerns and question to Director Neil Kornze. When asked if the BLM intended to perform an Environmental Impact Study, Kornze admitted to Zinke, "Well Congressman I appreciate the question and you're me on this. I am going to have to get some more materials together and would be happy to come visit with you about this if you would be interested."

"What's the point of having these bureaucrats come before Congress if they don't know a damn thing about multi-million acre projects that they have some jurisdiction over?" said Zinke. "Farmers and ranchers in the CMR and surrounding area could lose their livelihoods. This is a big deal, and for the BLM and DOI to not even put the time in to learn about the issue is a slap in the face to Montana. Heads will roll. This is not acceptable."

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