Rep. Gosar, AZ Senators McCain & Flake Introduce Legislation to Reduce Invasive Bison Species from Grand Canyon National Park
Press Release
Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (R, AZ-04) and U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ), released the following joint statement after introducing the Grand Canyon Bison Management Act, a bipartisan and bicameral bill that will authorize hunters who cull bison inside Grand Canyon National Park to take home the meat:
"The animals wreaking havoc on Grand Canyon National Park are no ordinary bison," said Senators McCain and Flake, and Congressman Gosar. "They are cross-breeds between bison and cattle that continue to destroy the natural vegetation and pristine lands that make the Park a national treasure and destination for millions of visitors. Our legislation advances a common-sense proposal that would cull these unmanageable herds and eliminate federal barriers by allowing volunteer hunters to take home the meat."
Whit Fosburgh, President and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, and Jim Unmacht, President of the Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation, also praised the legislation:
"The proposed legislation is consistent with the best science, will prevent undue degradation of Park resources and also provide sportsmen with an opportunity to harvest an iconic American species," said Fosburgh. "It will also generate funding for habitat conservation and management, which is key to our mission of guaranteeing sportsmen quality places to hunt and fish."
"The House Rock Valley bison herd has long been a highly prized herd and one of the few remaining wild and free ranging herds in North America," said Unmacht. "The fact they now have learned that they are safe on the Grand Canyon National Park hasn't diminished their allure to sportsmen, but has essentially placed them off-limits from hunting and harvesting. Arizona sportsmen and women are pleased that Senators McCain and Flake, along with Congressman Gosar have found a common-sense solution to allow sportsmen to not only help the Grand Canyon National Park manage this herd, but also allow them to hunt, harvest and retain the carcass in the process."
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