Noah Rott, Deputy Press Secretary, noah.rott@sierraclub.org
Golden, CO - Gov. Polis signed SB25-053 today, paving the way for recovery of the iconic wildlife species in Colorado.
Colorado Chapter Sierra Club praises Gov. Jared Polis for supporting the Protect Wild Bison Act, which designates the animal as big game, providing protections from poaching and legal hunting opportunities for Native Americans.
“This bill is a first and necessary step after decades of lacking any protections for this magnificent wildlife species that is so important to our state,” said Garrett Royer, Colorado Sierra Club Political Director. “For years bison that wandered into Colorado from wild herds in Utah have been shot and killed, stalling any chance for wild, free-ranging bison on our public lands. Now these animals will be protected, and we can begin discussions of restoring bison to their rightful place in Colorado.”
Bison once numbered between 30 million to 60 million in North America. The United States government conducted a purposeful slaughter campaign to eradicate the animals in one of the most disgraceful environmental actions in world history. The effort was meant to drive Native Americans off the land by depriving them of their key food source. Bison were taken down to roughly 1,000 animals throughout the nation.
Native Americans have deep cultural, spiritual and nutritional values for bison, and many Tribal Nations throughout the country have conservation bison herds. SB 53 recognizes the importance of bison to Native Americans and will set the stage for future collaboration to restore the species on appropriate lands here, in co-management with Tribal Nations.
"We look forward to the next steps as Colorado Parks and Wildlife drafts a management plan for bison, similar to other species like deer and elk," added Royer." We thank bill sponsors Sen. Jessie Danielson, and Reps. Junie Joseph and Elizabeth Velasco for this exciting legislation."
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of 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.