Mike Dombeck
USDA Forest Service
POB 96090
201 14th Street SW
Washington, D.C. 20024
Dear Mr. Dombeck:
The grazing permits for four cattle grazing allotments on public lands on Horse Butte Penisula in Montana are about to be renewed. Horse Butte is home to endangered bald eagles, wolves and grizzly bear, and is also an important winter range for the Yellowstone buffalo herd. These leases should not be renewed.
The Horse Butte peninsula is itself a natural barrier for confining bison migrations. If these leases are retired there is absolutely no justification for putting a buffalo capture and slaughter facility at this location as Montana currently has done. From the winter of 1984 through 2000 approximately 3,172 Yellowstone bison were shot in the field or shipped to slaughter. This is a National disgrace.
Please take action to protect the buffalo and endangered wildlife which are an important part of the Yellowstone ecosystem and a national heritage.
Sincerely,
Robert DeGroot
President, MAGIC