Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

West Yellowstone, MT - Week after week, we watch the Montana Department of Livestock, the Park Service and Montana Fish and Game torment the Yellowstone Ecosystem. Hundreds of trumpeter swans have come back to the area and are caught up in the mess, they are listed as sensitive under the endangered species act, but have no protection. The elk, the moose, the bears and wolves must also put up with the harassment.

Fall is the time when all animals need to put on their last layer of fat, rest and prepare themselves for the soon to come winter. Running these animals in many ways is like shooting them, only there is no way of documenting the toll it is having on the animals. This last year when I watch all of the above listed agencies haze 1 to 3 day old baby buffalo up to 10 miles, I lost hope for compassion. Hazing every week for the last two months will have an effect on all of the wildlife in this ecosystem and I feel will cause many needless deaths this winter. The cows are all gone, so let the buffalo roam.

Seeds of Peace has just started cooking for us and we could not be happier. The crew that's here make our family complete. It is easy to focus on all of the negative things and I often do, but this morning at sunrise nothing could bring me down and no matter how hard it gets, we still will stand strong and proud to be members of the buffalo family.

I would like to thank everyone who took the time to comment on the Horse Butte grazing allotments. There has been an extension, so it's not to late if you missed the first round.(see below)

I would also like to thank Arnold Williams and the Shoshone Club at Idaho State University for airing "Buffalo Wars" and the panel discussion. Rosalie Little Thunder and Matt Testa have been on the road for months spreading the word of the buffalo. They both always remind me of the dedication and persistence it takes to make change. Keep up the great work and know you are in our hearts and prayers.

With the Buffalo,
Mike Mease