American Prairie: Restoring bison to northern Montana with a patchwork nature reserve | 60 Minutes

[@jasrinaman9872]

There are many millions of acres used by ranches. It’s in everyone’s best interest to set aside 3 million acres to leave native wildlife a place to thrive. A place for everyone to see

[@chipthomas4169]

There's already millions of acres set aside, just not in one mass.

[@monkeymanchronicles]

@@chipthomas4169that ironically makes them way less valuable. Large tracts of contiguous land allow wildlife to thrive. Not artificial “islands” where the risk of being shot doesn’t allow them to disperse out of their tiny pocket.

[@IceLynne]

You know we have vast amounts of lands already set aside...no, I guess you don't know. Have you ever been to South Dakota? Bison are everywhere. Have you ever looked a map that shows all the millions of acres of protected lands in America? No, I guess you haven't.

[@teglaprbambaluftlaurvafhen5449]

Yea. Good idea. A better idea is to use AI build a time machine, and stop the terra-forming of the plains leaving natives a much larger "reservation". Without the area needed to sustain the 30 million plus Buffalo herds it is futile. Focus on saving the continental us mentally homelessness (unhoused lol). Ensure the micro herds keepers stay sacrosant then come back and build the herd with constantly growing private realestate at a latter date.

[@daverohrich8518]

Some of the states out west are 90% federal land already. The feds are responsible for the Buffalo being killed, and private ranchers are responsible for them recovering from extinction

[@thejamescrooksshow8069]

Buffalo and prairie grass are so vital to our country!! We must protect them!

[@k1j2f30]

The ranchers have always protected and cared for the land very well, they have to, that is how they make their living! They can not do that if the land is not healthy and in poor shape! Some of these ranches have been in family hands for over a hundred years now.

[@PatrickPecoraro]

Bison!

[@Sydwiz9999]

BISON**

[@k1j2f30]

Buffalo head nickel, Buffalo Bill, Wood Buffalo, Buffalo gun, Buffalo gals won't you come out tonight and dance by the light of the moon!@@Sydwiz9999

[@lewstone5430]

bIsOn!

[@bikeyclown4669]

I understand the ranchers concern. Like one of them said, it can be tough to make money on a ranch. So much depends on the weather, economic swings, consumer diet trends (the rapid changes here are exhausting to keep up with) and politics. Of course, that's true for every industry. Despite that I think there is room for this reserve. What's more is, this organization isn't pushing ranchers off of their land. They are paying fair market value for their properties and doing what they want to with the land they own. Just like the ranchers are doing. I grew up on the plains and I have always wanted something like this to happen. The Plains are an underappreciated region of the continent in my opinion. I think there's enough room for the ranchers and the reserve.

[@jamisonmunn9215]

This is the part I don't understand the most if its hard making money on a ranch and raising cattle why do it? Sell the ranch and let the wildlife restore the more natural environment. Especially if the cattle do better in other places like Texas where they may rarely have to deal with the freezing temperatures. I don't really understand the ranchers objections?

[@avacadomangobanana2588]

So then… make money elsewhere? Don’t like something?v MOVE

[@bikeyclown4669]

@@avacadomangobanana2588 That's how it works. Ask the people who used to live and work in the shrinking cities in the Rust Belt. My guess would be that it's not what they wanted, but economic forces make it necessary for survival.

[@isaiah2049]

​@@bikeyclown4669your point represents a economic fact people tend to migrate two places where they're financially more well-off however there are other facts to be considered as well for many of these folks that live there that's their home and they love it as well as their work there is their dream plenty of people dream to be Ranchers and financial value only represents one of many values in their lives some people really do love what they do despite lower-income your stereotypical teacher for instance (though teachers tend to make more on average than people think) this seems like a very cool and worthy cause but I'd caution anyone to come to the conclusion that these Ranchers shouldn't be there because it's financially hard that they might as well give up their ranches and leave so that the moral Superior cause can take a step forward.

[@bikeyclown4669]

@@isaiah2049 I agree that there's more to it than the economic factors, but, if people can't make a living doing something, they have to find a new source of income in order to thrive. If the ranchers in this region are making enough money to support themselves, I don't blame them for continuing what they do, if that's what they enjoy doing. My point is that the degree to which people will insist on continuing a career in the face of their own economic destruction can be ridiculous at times. I watched a video where a man who lived in a West Virginia coal mining town was waiting for a mine he worked in to open up again after it had shut down. The mine had been shut down for years. He stayed because he liked where he lived. I don't blame him for that as I like the Appalachian region too. He also stayed because he identified as a miner (that's the problematic part in my opinion). The people who owned the mine said that there was a chance that the mine could open again, so he stayed. The truth was that it was not likely that the mine was opening again. The guy had difficulty seeing beyond working in the mine because he became his job rather than a man working to take care of himself. There is nothing the matter with loving what you do, but I assure you we are not our careers. Our jobs/careers are things we do to support ourselves, so we can thrive, and they can disappear in an instant. Ask anyone who's been fired or laid off. I've been laid off from a job, so I know what it is like. When one job/career doesn't work, we move on to another in order to thrive. That's life.

[@alanhelton]

I’m fully in support of fully restoring these creatures to their whole range

[@66gtb]

At what cost?

[@jujitsujew23]

@@66gtbno cost, ranchers can barely make a profit. It’s a dying industry

[@66gtb]

@@jujitsujew23 Ranching is a dying industry? It’s always been a tough industry and will be around a lot longer.

[@jujitsujew23]

@@66gtb tell that to all the thousands of ranchers who sold their ranches. Tell that to the guy in this video who’s only getting by because the American prairie reserve pays him. I bet you think coal isn’t a dying industry either

[@lewstone5430]

Ranching is terrible for the environment anyway.

[@brettstone87]

Thank you for doing real journalism and letting both sides speak, for asking thoughtful, respectful questions, for not interjecting your own opinions. So rare and refreshing.

[@Reciprocity_Soils]

Majestic views of American bison roaming along being bison and doing bison things. This endeavor includes all kinds of people, from cowboys and campers to the culturally intertwined First Nations tribes, happy to see the bison's return and regeneration. More prairie and wood bison on the great North American plains means heathier soils, healthier ecosystems, and a healthier heritage of families for generations and generations to come. That's a blessing for us all. Wouldn't it be a wonder to see bison, antelope, deer, elk, wolves, bear, ferret, and badger roaming and thriving from northern Montana to southern Illinois? That's a nation of wholesome good for all to enjoy the great outdoors.

[@stephenscering1776]

Are you replacing the American Indians also?

[@JeepCherokeeful]

If you haven’t realized yet...this isn’t so we humans can “enjoy the great outdoors”

[@monkeymanchronicles]

@@JeepCherokeefulit’s also intended to restore the diverse prairie ecosystems?

[@Kurtlane]

Even to Northern Illinois. There is a reserve called Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie near Chicago.

[@Reciprocity_Soils]

This is great. I grew up around there and really appreciate how they continue to manage these resources and education centers.@@Kurtlane

[@marymccluer1630]

I don't know if it is possible to ever approximate what has been lost--the native grasses, the wildlife that once covered the Great Plains. But it is great that efforts are being made to try to bring some of it back.

[@jollyjokress3852]

even the grass can store so much carbon if it not destroyed by overgrazing that is caused by these unsustainable ranching practices.

[@karlheinzvonkroemann2217]

NO chance even @ 2% restoration.

[@moisesojeda1085]

the Bison population is going to explode in the next decade (not a good thing) because their natural predators (Wolves) are long gone and restricted to small pockets in Yellowstone. Without the Wolves to balance their population they will spread rapidly

[@wendyscott8425]

Fortunately, the soil is a seed bank, and given the right circumstances, those native grasses can come back, too.

[@guy8646]

The seeds are in the soil. I follow a prairie conservationist on KZbin who had a video about a farm that was used for crops for several decades. Someone bought it and stopped the farming but did not sow any seeds, yet a bunch of native plants eventually sprouted and took over.

[@ncc74656m]

As usual, the people who disagree don't disagree from a purely ecological perspective, they just don't want to be told that they're doing it wrong now, or that they're contributing to the problems resulting in the place we're at today. So it's just pride. Sometimes people need to understand and accept that they don't know everything, and that they can't always inherently do it better, and open themselves up to possibilities.

[@everythingisfine9988]

Classic human flaw

[@oboomabom]

I can tell the ranchers feel ignored or un-heard & I hope they get the empathy they deserve. I hope too that they understand their place in the context of that land and what peoples, not just them or their family’s, relationship can be it... To understand the history of the space, how their families got there, and the people who had been there before them… healing starts with curiosity and courage to look past the pain that can keep people stuck

[@duanekamstra8890]

While I wholeheartedly agree with the goals of this organization, I found that this report was very much slanted in their favor. Not the kind of journalism I expect from 60 minutes.

[@monkeymanchronicles]

@@duanekamstra8890unfortunately it’s hard to not do that when they’re covering conservation versus a dying industry.

[@TBird89]

Ahhh land… many people have lost their lives over it many centuries ago since humans realised its worth something. The ranchers paid for it so it’s theirs and it’s worth something, but if it wasn’t paid for then it’s worth nothing…ahhh us selfish humans. We almost made an animal extinct and now people wanna bring those numbers back truely understandable and worth it. Like most grazing beats all they wanna do is eat and poop and multiply…that’s it. You think the cattle out are saying to,each other… hey did you see that new herd over yonder the other day I think they wanna come into our neighbourhood… oh no that can’t happen ! Sound familiar?

[@Amadre278]

This was a beautifully constructed piece in every way. One of the best I’ve seen from 60 minutes-and that’s saying something. Well done.

[@notapplicable531]

It might be better if the narrator were to use the correct name for the "bison" instead of randomly switching back and forth between buffalo and bison.

[@spener1313]

Private lands for public animals isn't helping. Come out here and I'll show you why the CMR is the only true wildlife refuge in the area

[@jolness1]

@@spener1313 yeah CMR is incredible. Wish we were doing more of that.

[@tonyhanson1710]

Wow you have low standards…….beautifully constructed in every way? Oh give me a break. Wrong. It is mostly one sided. How about a story where a rancher needs “picture money” to survive? What are the real problems in agriculture in the USA? How about the extremely high cost of production and very little in return. Same as trucking and many other businesses. High cost low return. Is going backwards to tee pees and cabins the best answer for a ever growing population as long as certain executives and politicians make a ridiculously high income on the backs of the hard working poor??????

[@tttyuhbbb9823]

"Still not bigger than Montana!..." A WISE MAN! 👍

[@bradj7900]

If people don’t want this organization to purchase ranches when they come up for sale then they’re the ones that need to pony up money to buy them. Ted Turner is the largest landowner in my home county in South Dakota and it’s not because he’s evil and outbids everyone. The owners of the original ranch he purchased wanted to sell because their kids weren’t interested in ranching. They didn’t want to split the land up into parcels and nobody around wanted that much more land and couldn’t afford it if they did. So Ted purchased it. He built a buffalo fence around the perimeter and tore down most interior fences. Now when I go home to visit family I drive up to see his buffalo because it’s pretty neat watching them graze on rolling hills of grass.

[@SaltySparrow]

It still blows my mind how quickly settlers nearly made Bison extinct.

[@deslow7411]

Dodo: "hold my beer"

[@joshabercrombie2485]

The transcontinental railroad really sped things up, massive hunting parties coming in and fur traders being able to move large loads of pelts easily back east.

[@jeremiahpowell355]

I think you mean the government exterminated them to control the Native Americans

[@alro11]

genocide 😢

[@sawittwo]

Hold deez!

[@rickyweber2651]

Yes Montana does have room for both, Native American, current ranching and restoring part back to native wildlife. Nice report 60 minutes.

[@colleenmonfross4283]

I hope this project is realized, it sounds very worthy.

[@repenney]

Magnificent idea; magnificent plan. And love the Mt. Lions at 8:06.

[@ricardorocha8758]

The more land for nature and for our future generations to enjoy, the better. The idea of having places where humanity hasn’t molded to its image is a comforting thought

[@IceLynne]

Have you ever driven across America? There's no shortage of unspoiled land and in fact, most of the western US is open range (BLM), National Parks, State Parks, Nature Preserves and Reservations.

[@alansach8437]

But not large protected native grasslands. A lot of what you see driving across America that appear to be wild areas are large private ranches, many, if not most, not very wildlife friendly. Bears, coyotes, mountain lions and other predator species are regularly "controlled " (shot). Wild bison are not tolerated, as they "compete" with cows for grass. The land is more "spoiled" than it appears! Most National Parks are in the mountains. Some are in the deserts. None protect large areas of native prairie lands. State parks and most wildlife refuges are very small, have little interconectivity, and are often surrounded by urban areas.

[@k1j2f30]

I started working for the a conservation portion of the USDA 30 years ago, just before the APR started out in my back yard in NE Montana. It's been a rocky ride, but it's interesting to see how this is working out. Give and take, good and bad, it's a very big deal to the locals! Time will tell....

[@Fabdanc]

As a native Montanan, I am so proud of APR. And I've been a Montanan too long to have any sympathy for these ranchers.

[@JK-br1mu]

I'm gonna send some cowpokes after yer hide

[@Fabdanc]

@@JK-br1mu 🤣

[@kstadel]

If what you say is true you’re not a real Montanan.

[@Fabdanc]

@@kstadel we love a no true Scotsman fallacy! Great work!

[@Mk101T]

@@kstadel It's the executives in the beef industry that are the problem .

[@hendrsb33]

It's interesting that both Alaska and Canada are breeding wood bison and releasing them to the wild. It quite something to see them along the AlCan Highway.

[@suzannemcmaken4648]

Montana is spectacular. ❤

[@RoxannSnyder]

What a beautiful idea!! I love it ❤

[@singingfalls]

I spent a decade off the grid in Montana some years ago. At the time you had one cow calf pair per 300 acres of land. Ranchers regularly would invite hunters to come out and hunt for white tail deer, mule deer, elk, and antelope. They considered the wildlife a burden on the lands they were irrigating for hay which caried their livestock over the often very harsh winters. The high desert is not kind to species that haven't adapted to its ways. The real question is whether cattle ranching is really sustainable without damaging the landscape. Bison etc are adapted to the high plains of North America. They not only can survive there but are quite adept at restoring the landscape just by being. Those plains were heavily impacted by sheep and cattle and the landscape is degraded. High on the agenda of the settlers was the removal of apex predator species. There were bounties on them. That doesn't address the issue of multigenerational families that settled those plains. It's a wicked problem. I have empathy for the ranchers also. Ranchers should be compensated for damages by the inevitable return of apex predators.

[@jerrodbrey3347]

Adapt or die that been the way of us humans and it’s coming back on us now. So adapt or die

[@Michelle-s2z6l]

I feel like humans could act like the predators, have ranchers raise buffalo instead of cows, which are better adapted to eating the grass land.

[@Michelle-s2z6l]

I feel like humans could act like the predators, have ranchers raise buffalo instead of cows, which are better adapted to eating the grass land.

[@AlasdairGR]

I feel like this is almost a repeat of Grand Teton's story. Ranchers settle an area and get used to it being their home, private groups who are interested in conservation buy the land when it comes up for sale, and then the ranchers get mad because they want to retain control of the land for profit and don't want to adapt. This area in Montana may never become a full-on National Park, but the work that this private conservation group is doing will be appreciated for generations to come. Many who lived in the Grand Teton/Jackson Hole area wanted it to become a reserve for nature, but now it's beloved and cherished by literally everyone, including some of those locals that originally resisted it. Everyone benefits from preservation and the increased tourism revenue it brings.

[@JBAlternate]

Saving the habitat that we humans destroyed is long overdue. It should be happening in more places than just Montana, too. Every state that lies in historic tallgrass and shortgrass prairie range should have significant prairie restorations. The good news is that at least most homeowners out there can create micro prairies or prairie gardens in their own yards. It's just a small piece of habitat, but even that matters!

[@rumm624]

I’m in full support of restoring these beautiful lands and the beautiful creatures that once roamed them. Thank you so much for trying to restore these beautiful creatures and lans to what they once were these lands play a vital part in our ecosystem and the natural order. The bison are beautiful creatures thank you so much for trying to bring back these beautiful animals they are truly extraordinary beings in fact all the animals that once roamed these lands are extraordinary and beautiful. Thanks you for all that you have done to bring back once was of this beautiful frontier. ❤❤

[@eddieaaronson3775]

This is the first time I’ve heard of this project! Wow, what a goal, can’t wait to see the progress!

[@moisesojeda1085]

the Bison population will explode without the presence of wolves to balance out their population growth

[@zebwalton979]

What’s the real agenda? That’s what you should be asking.

[@Mk101T]

@@zebwalton979 Ask the executives in the beef industry .

[@paddyoak1]

@@zebwalton979. The elites want the masses in cities.

[@deslow7411]

I don't get what the cowboys problem is? They aren't being forced to sell their lands it's completely voluntary. What is the cowboy losing if his neighbor decides to sell their land for this organisation?

[@tayloranderson456]

They have an obsolete and morally failed business that is bad for the animals, bad for people, and bad for the planet. It's totally understandable that they feel intimidated by yet another thing that reminds the of all that.

[@fionnmaccumhaill3257]

​@gooser__43 Why don't the ranchers grow bison instead of cattle? You can raise more bison on less land feeding the native grasses. Predators aren't as much of a problem for the bison as they are for castle as well. This is a genuine question.

[@justinduke8135]

​@@fionnmaccumhaill3257bison are extremely more expensive to raise then cattle mostly its the cost of fencing and infrastructure to work bison and insurance to cover accidents cheaper to raise cattle less in the fencing and less in the infrastructure

[@alexandercluster3003]

Their problem is money. Letting nature revive itself isn’t Profitable. People care nothing for wild spaces and wildlife. They care about exploiting everything for profit. What led to the Bisons demise in the first place? It’s a way different country and landscape then it was 130 years ago. Can’t imagine Bison ever truly being restored anyways.

[@alsuncat]

A rancher has their own property for their cattle to graze. When their herd gets too big. And their property no longer supports their cattle. They make deals with neighbors. To allow them to graze on their property. If they don't have a neighbor for 100 years they use that land. No consent needed. Till the government sells it. Then you've got an angry old lady yelling member when.

[@chadmolenaar1]

Very good insight into both sides, and views/perspectives. I found this interesting and hopeful that the project works out for both sides. Good quality reporting. Well done guys.

[@torterrapin4719]

It would be amazing to see a large park like this on more productive land with large swathes of prairie like in IA or IL, but at least we have people working on it somewhere!

[@mousefarm]

This Bison cow grazing site is amazing

[@chrislee1096]

May American Prairie suceed!

[@lorilayton2223]

I’m home sick ! My mom used to take my brother and I to go pick Huckleberries and see the Elk and Buffalo . It is a special place ❤

[@Sailor376also]

I know a bit of that area of Montana, I've paddled the Marias River and the Missouri twice, hitch hiked and back packed part of it. Good article... One error though, Teddy Roosevelt had the same idea. but much, much earlier. The Roosevelt National Park is 100 plus square miles of Teddy Roosevelts two ranches in North Dakota. Those square miles have been protected , either in the care of Roosevelt himself or the National Park Service since the 1880s. And the buffalo still roam there.

[@carrdoug99]

The contribution I make every month that I am most proud of!!

[@corvettesbme]

I'm glad they can roam!

[@garygemmell3488]

It is said that a buffalo herd could sometimes stretch from horizon to horizon. I'd like to believe that's true, and I'd like to get a glimpse of what that might have looked like in some small way.

[@IceLynne]

Go to the Serengeti and watch the wildebeests during migration seasons, it's quite spectacular.

[@MicheleCook-e2f]

Magnificent idea; magnificent plan. And love the Mt. Lions at 8:06.. It still blows my mind how quickly settlers nearly made Bison extinct..

[@jeremyrude6883]

I've not left New York, much in my 47 years of life. I do live in the countryside in the fingerlakes region. But I would definitely head to Montana on a vacation.

[@ricki-bobby]

These ranchers have been using the brucellosis excuse for decades. The scenario where buffalo pass brucellosis along to cattle is no different than the scenario where elk pass it on to cattle. Yet, we don't have entire lobbies dedicated to keeping elk off public lands. Did you ever ask why that is?

[@rebeccawhite9395]

I am very happy to see wildlife restoration projects. I have longed to see herds of buffaloo on our prairies.

[@thenaturalmidsouth9536]

The Tallgrass Prairie is a thing of beauty.

[@jollyjokress3852]

awesome! I am thankful people like ones in the NGO exist!

[@J.A.706]

This left out the massive diversity of plant life in natural prairies. It isn't just "grass." And that diversification supports tons of smaller wildlife that are only adapted to natural diversified prairies. Also, grizzlies and wolves won't be the most dangerous animals when they return. The prairie dogs carry the black death style bubonic plague.

[@GamerplayerWT]

Listen to the Native Americans. They know this is about more than money or conservation; it’s about the Spirit of the Land.

[@dustinmarry4993]

The apr should look at doing this in a state with very little piblic land

[@charleswright4687]

Someone has to make a case for animals….what gives humans the moral right to decimate an entire species way of living. Someone has to protect nature cause man will take all they can.

[@pauloszetarinielli69508]

Terrific report, thank you 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@ryanthrush8460]

Thank you rich people for helping we all thank you

[@gaymichaelis7581]

Thank you so very much for this great news story here on 60 Minutes about the cattle and Buffalo in & around Montana, so to speak!!!! Well, it’s also about the deer and elk and bear and that Indian brother said the Blackfoot ferrets I think he said, etc.!!!! I know I’m missing some of the animals mentioned… about the acquiring of past/old ranches by I’m not sure what it was called!? Try and re-create some of the old original grasslands with the buffalo and other animal life… And working with essentially the ranchers and then the American natives of the two tribes(I don’t want to get the names wrong!?)… I love this 60 men broadcaster… Sorry, I forget your name!? Also love the west(I live in the Salt Lake city area), And I love Buffalo and cattle and antelope and deer, and all the animals!!!! and I love the native American tribes!!! And I have a sister who lives outside of Missoula, Montana with her husband, and they have a sizable piece of property that they live on, etc. Anyway, thank you very much for bringing the Story to us!!!! Have you found the gospel of Jesus Christ yet?!?!!! He is coming!!!! ❤️😊🎄👏🙏😇👌✝️🇺🇸✡️🇮🇱🌲❤️‍🩹🦬🐃🐂🐄🦌

[@vintagevinylvets1187]

Great story! Thank you for sharing this!

[@Victoria-OneLove4AllPeople]

I agree 💯 there is room here for both.

[@giovannirojas3952]

Let the bison roam.

[@fowleheidi482]

I lived in Utah, the people were the strangest (FLDS) seeing my first heard of buffalo literally made me weep, knowing what we've lost.

[@IceLynne]

So while relating a story about Bison you throw in a stab at the FLDS? Sounds like you have issues.

[@Mk101T]

@@IceLynne Are you an FLDS chattle wife ?

[@IceLynne]

@@Mk101T Are you a smooth brain knuckle dragger?

[@peaceandlove5214]

Blessed those who protect the mother nature.

[@wildman2894]

putting back what we took I like that ideal

[@udishomer5852]

Why does 60 minutes look for a negative spin on this? If 3% of the state of Montana is turned into a wildlife reserve, what is the harm?

[@josephmelson7591]

Democrats run company's spew division probly get payed for it as well ..

[@sunnyday7843]

Tourists are ruining it that’s why- there is too many- they litter - it has brought in a good rush mentality to the entire state of small towns that have crime And homeless now - see What going on in all The newspapers- tourists need hotels and big money is made off vacation rentals - it’s sad for the normal working class folks all over The state .

[@blkmoon5596]

The only way to restore it back to what it was they need to give the land back to Native Americans. Guarantee they won't do that. Look between the lines and you will see what is really going on. Start with who are the big investors and what dealing other than this have they been involved with. What was the dealing and what impact they had.

[@ashtonrucker7122]

There's no way they'll restore NA's land because that just isn't even possible. What we should be doing is giving more support to the NA community by giving more funds to the reservations. Also, the whole structure and bureaucracy of these reservations is not the best. There needs to be reform made in that department too. Overall, there needs to be an overhaul of the current system we use to determine who's Native American or not (through blood test). More land needs to be given to the reservations that's actually profitable AND located near a highway. You'll see that the reservation up in Montana and such are not the best places to be. Meth heads, no stores, no money, no nothing out there. They need help, our government just won't do anything about it

[@66gtb]

They’d build a casino on the land today.

[@blkmoon5596]

@@66gtb sure would

[@lewstone5430]

@@66gtb yes because that’s the only way to make money thanks to almost being wiped out, having their land stolen, and culture destroyed.

[@trapnellcreative]

Excellent reporting

[@edrabogucki401]

Great news. From many sources, I’ve learned that the wide open lands kept the grasslands healthy. The constant moving of the buffalo & other grazing animals broke up the soil, fertilizing as they went. Their removal may have contributed to the Dust Bowl.

[@reivang7196]

If I was wealthy I would for drop on that, Montana easily top 5 most beautiful states in America, and our bison are majestic.

[@TM-yn4iu]

Looking out on this vast area years ago, they stood. This is now mine, while those living there said it is ours. "Ours" not in owning, rather in living. But, just as the buffalo and so much more was wiped out, they too were. So now that rancher speaks of "generations", it is our ours. It was taken brutally in the beginning, then by money...which is now the normal. This is then represented as"our" call to arms. Not just the prairies and wilderness, but anywhere a person may be smiling or at peace.

[@sandyr1789]

The ranchers have how many generations of "our's" as compared to generations and generations of Natives? I heard selfishness and disconnected arrogance from the lady rancher...and love of the land from the Natives.

[@lewstone5430]

Yes, the rancher spoke arrogantly and rudely showing a sense of ownership over stolen land. This was to be expected.

[@vicsaul5459]

08:21 western meadow lark ❤😊

[@SC-fk9nc]

Wonderful project I wish them success now and in the future.

[@robertgulfshores4463]

Federal land is our land. We should have a voice. My voice, my vote, is for the Bison, the wolves, the Grizzlies, the prairie dogs, grouse, and all the native species of grass.

[@barbarabelt701]

I hope they never give up.

[@forestchild3511]

Awesomeness ❤

[@shaunroberts9361]

Outstanding...

[@LiterallyOverTheHillAdventures]

One interesting aspect that the story sort of left out, much of the land that Ranchers graze their cattle on, is not their land, it is either BLM land, FS land or State / County owned land that they lease for a very nominal fee. The northern plains is not an optimal area for cattle ranching, not even close. Very few of those ranches would not exist were it not for government "subsidizing" their operation with low cost leases, on land that is truely not able to support that much cattle. I will not even get into the rise of the "feeder lots" on the southern praries that are a result of government subsidizing grain farmers, thereby depressing the price of cattle raised in areas of the country that are optimal for cattle ranching, namely the southeast to include Florida.

[@TheTrfrench]

Thank you.

[@blackeyedlily]

Interesting. What I heard from the woman who is a rancher sounded like it was reactionary. She said it “felt” like they wanted to push them out. That it “sounded” like they wanted the ranchers gone. But I didn’t hear any examples of anything specific to back up what she “felt” about it. I’m not saying that she doesn’t have any legitimate concerns on her side of the debate. But in order to take that side seriously I would want to know some factual information. Especially when other ranchers did give examples of how they were working together with the wildlife organization and getting personal benefit from it. I hope they are able to work out their differences. Because all that I heard was that the original marketing concept of what the wildlife organization wanted to do came across the wrong way to some of the existing ranchers. I find the implementation of rewilding in different projects around the world as a very important part of the process of keeping our planet healthy and improving the diversity of animal and plant life.

[@GregWittstockThePondGuy]

Awesome

[@jackgt1991]

I loved the story and it is a great story. It’s just a shame it started off with a mistake and shoddy reporting. There are two national parks that I visited this summer that are in the American Prairie and both full of Buffalo. Badlands National Park and Wind Cave National Park. Two of the most beautiful places I have ever been. We took a seven mile hike in the prairies of Wind Cave and never saw a sole. In addition I would recommend going to Custer State Park. This is just an awesome place.

[@theman211294]

There’s also Flint hills and national tallgrass prairie in Kansas. There’s even two wild herds in Illinois.

[@telemaster4520]

Also Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North and South Units, North Dakota. Tallgrass prairie, prairie dogs, and buffalo in both parks.

[@davestagner]

Hiking among bison, rather than driving by them, is an interesting and somewhat scary experience. Don’t pet the fuzzy cows! They are wild animals, very large, potentially very fast, and you are in their home. I highly recommend it!

[@ErelasInglor]

Fantastic work, very good to see for the western Shortgrass Prairie and sage lands, not to mention the Bison...never saw one buffalo in this entire documentary though! 😆 Now, if we could only restore the Tallgrass Prairie that is the most endangered ecosystem in the world. It may require an educational shift in how we see trees and restoration from one landowner, rancher, and farmer at a time to bring even a small portion of it back, as well as its inhabitants.

[@VictorKeithDHHS]

Makes me smile when the ranchers complain about what they should be doing with the land or being told what their way of living is wrong. They should ask the natives how they felt when they were told the same thing and murdered if they refused that way of honest life.

[@johnbeck9997]

Talllgrass prairie in Oklahoma. The Wichita wildlife reserve in Oklahoma. You should check them out

[@anthonyburke5656]

One of the delights of my life is a trip I did across the USA by car, (I’m not an American) one of the many highlights of the trip was driving across the high country of Colorado, if I’d seen a herd of buffalo it would have been the cherry on the top. I did drive through a herd of buffalo in Arizona, accompanied by 3 native Americans from different tribes, their reverence and their stories were both inspiring and heartbreaking. I do note, my view, is that “racist” conservation is mis-guided, to try to “restore” a land to an ideal, then hold it in “stasis” is nutty. It’s almost beyond argument that the more complex an ecosystem is the more stable it becomes, therefore anything that adds complexity to the ecosystem augments the system, be that native or non-native flora or fauna. I recall, in Arizona, seeing almost 100 miles of riverbank that were planted with salt resistant non-native plants over 50 years ago, it restored the land, lowered the water table, sheltered birds and animals, provided fodder, timber and bee food AND a nursery for native species to restore and EXTEND their range.

[@Bonzi_Buddy]

All herds of buffalo are behind fencing so if you don't go into a protected area surrounded by fencing, you're not going to see these buffalo. There are wild horses that do run free though.

[@IceLynne]

@@Bonzi_Buddy that's a lie. Go to South Dakota, there's Bison everywhere. You think there's a fence around Yellowstone 😂 There's loads of them living there!

[@captain54526]

Two sides to every story. Ranchers do not ranch or raise cattle for a hobby, its their livelihood. I like seeing vast country that looked like it did 200 years ago and to preserve a piece of it is in everyone's interest, especially wildlife. The Ranchers livelihood should not be infringed upon by anyone. When someone is paying someone just for pictures of wildlife on their land, better watch out as there is a reason for it and it may not be what one thinks !

[@LovroRavbar]

Amazing!❤

[@Socialistayecologista]

ES FANTÁSTICO QUE ESTOS BELLOS ANIMALES VUELVAN A SUS TERRITORIOS.

[@BillSias-op7xw]

Sounds good, but beware, it sounds like the largest HOA for ranches, who ever controls the land controls the society.

[@Mk101T]

Actually it is the meat packers that are controlling things .

[@messagesystem333]

Bison are tasty. Hope they will be all over the US someday.

[@johncervantes7707]

Very beautiful ❤ the great American bison still lives and roames the prairies

[@danielpulaa]

God Bless You People!

[@8848Red]

There are plenty of National Parks in the grasslands with bison herds, Wind Cave, Theordore Roosevelt, Tallgrass Prairie. Not to mention several National Wildlife Refuges who are also home to several herds of bison.

[@ronduff4325]

Hopefully they get it done . It's about time !

[@johndoh5182]

There is a bigger goal in mind and really, it CAN be accomplished but requires a bit of buying up of land and then the states not trying to interfere because they SAY they are losing tax revenue by that land being used as nature reserve, which is really a lack of vision on their part if you consider that IF you can do this, the draw would be amazing. It's a land corridor which is REALLY what's needed to connect Canada to the Great Plains. It's a migratory route that's needed for these animals to REALLY flourish. It goes from W. Canada down through Montana, into the Yellowstone area and then heads east into the great plains. The big hindrance is the politics of it because for many years the land has to be devalued so that the tax burden isn't crazy, so you'd need the state and Fed govt. working with big money holders to get together to talk about WHY in about 50 years doing such a thing would draw in millions of people and probably sell more rifles than the NRA could fathom. These are grazing animals and that's really the land that's needed to support millions of animals. Once you establish these larges herds again then you can allow an incredible amount of recreation as long as it's low environmental impact recreation, so people bring things in, and they take it out. This would allow more natural camping and hiking than anything else that exists in the US, while restoring this ecosystem and building up to a few million large animals again. And this corridor is believed to be similar to the natural migratory paths large animals used in the past. There are large areas of this path that can never be restored because it's all farmland and city now, but you have to allow animals to get down into the great plains and move up into Canada.

[@glennwoods2462]

Great news.....👍👍🙏🙏❤️❤️

[@donlaroque8028]

Displaced? What a nice word

[@robertlloyd122]

Thought the same thing.

[@charlenemorris5516]

Very nice….💖

[@karljacobson8521]

Not buffaloes. They are bison.

[@grizzlyadams4390]

The National Bison Range north of Missoula and it's Buffalo saved the animal from extinction. You can hear the amazing story from Steve Rinella.

[@miketackabery7521]

I made it through half the show. The third time I heard "white settlers" did me in. Just gotta love every attempt the media uses to keep us all separated from each other.

[@miketackabery7521]

@@SusanKay- and the same for your ancestors actions and misdeeds. All peoples have done dirty to all other peoples. No one is innocent. Every time we think we are just makes us think we're better or worse than others. The blame game. It's a pernicious habit that's a direct result of the sin of pride. We all need to let go and vow to be the best we can be. From a Thlinget from SE Alaska, village of Hoonah, and we don't have no peace pipe. That's stateside natives.

[@davidmurray5399]

What you need to do is restore the Tall Grass Prairie, this is what sustained the enormous Bison herds that inhabited that Biome.

[@ElysiaEsper]

we gotta restore the native animal populations to save this country. they're wonderful creatures

[@happyhome41]

Oh wow, I just returned from Yellowstone, and one of the rangers there informed me that some 3,000 bison left the park last year and 95% were slaughtered. Some work to do apparently.

[@mfree748]

What exactly happened at 11:16 in?

[@Harris.S]

Nice 👍❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🙏

[@dominichare3395]

Finally good story

[@dontworrycallmorry]

There is room for both.

[@jollyjakelovell4787]

Always has been.

[@youdnarrymaryanne]

Great to hear brings tears to my eyes to see the American DNA the buffalo's now being importantly considered as importance

[@mochiebellina8190]

Is English not a language you have mastered?