Courtney Bourgoin, courtney.bourgoin@sierraclub.org
Dupuyer, MT-- Tomorrow, Interior Secretary Bernhardt will host a media event with Rep. Greg Gianforte in Dupuyer on the subject of grizzly bear management. The press event comes after Bernhardt implemented substantial rollbacks to the Endangered Species Act in August and assisted the finalizing of the delisting of grizzly bears in the Yellowstone region in 2017. Bernhardt’s record in Montana underlines his ties to extractive industry in the state, efforts to undermine wildlife protections and growing questions of ethics.
In front of the visit, Bonnie Rice, campaign representative for the Sierra Club’s Greater Yellowstone/Northern Rockies campaign, released the following statement:
“Instead of policies that promote long-term recovery and coexistence, Secretary Bernhardt has gutted protections for threatened and endangered wildlife. Since grizzly bears have yet to reach full recovery, it’s absolutely essential that Bernhardt prioritize the practice of coexistence between bears and communities.
“We know coexistence measures work to keep people safe, and protect bears at the same time. A growing number of ranchers in our region are committing to measures that keep their livestock and bears safe. Tribal Nations have lived safely alongside grizzly bears for centuries because of their commitment to coexistence.
“There are many effective ways to prevent conflict between people and bears, and our state and federal agencies must do more. Promoting and practicing coexistence measures-- that are easy and effective-- can keep people, bears and property safe.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.