Trump Administration Bans a Nonprofit’s Bison From Grazing on Federal Lands, but Spares Tribes – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pexels)
Montana – The Trump administration has ordered American Prairie to remove its bison from seven parcels of Bureau of Land Management land that the nonprofit had leased for grazing during the Biden years. The final decision leaves tribal grazing rights untouched, producing a narrow exemption that has drawn sharp criticism from the conservation group. American Prairie plans to appeal what it calls a politically motivated ruling.
Details of the Grazing Order
The affected parcels lie in central Montana, where American Prairie has worked for years to restore native bison herds on a mix of private and public land. Under the new directive, the animals must be moved off the federal sections by a deadline the agency has not yet specified in public documents. The order applies only to this single nonprofit and does not alter existing arrangements held by other ranchers or tribes.
Legal Narrowness and Tribal Exception
Officials described the ruling as a straightforward enforcement of lease terms, yet the decision stops short of a broader policy change. Tribal grazing permits on the same BLM lands remain in place, creating an explicit carve-out that conservation advocates say lacks clear legal grounding. The contrast has left observers questioning why one set of bison operations faces removal while another does not.
American Prairie’s Planned Appeal
The nonprofit has stated it will challenge the decision in federal court, arguing that the leases were properly issued and that the sudden reversal disrupts ongoing habitat restoration work. Staff members noted that the bison have grazed the parcels without incident for several years. They also pointed out that the animals help maintain grassland health in ways that align with long-term public-land management goals.
| Group | Bison Grazing Status Under Biden | Bison Grazing Status Under Trump |
|---|---|---|
| American Prairie | Allowed on 7 BLM parcels | Ordered removed |
| Tribes | Allowed | Remains allowed |
Next Steps for the Nonprofit
American Prairie continues to manage bison on its own private holdings and on other public parcels not covered by the new order. The group has said it will seek a stay of the removal requirement while the appeal proceeds. No timeline for a court ruling has been announced.
