Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities


** Longitudinal study shows huge benefits of bison grazing
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Tuesday, August 30, 2022
Bison, or buffalo, or bison bison, are native to the United States. Rufus46, W ([link removed]) ikip ([link removed]) edia ([link removed])

For the past 29 years, scientists have counted the plant species ([link removed]) on specific sections of Kansas tallgrass prairie as part of a study on the impact of bison grazing. They did the same count on prairie with and without bison grazing, and they came to a resounding conclusion: bison boosted native plant species richness by a whopping 86 percent over the past three decades, according to a study published yesterday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences ([link removed]) .

These results are important, not just because they affirm that reintroducing the native Bison bison benefits ecosystems, but because tallgrass prairies—which are dominated by (you guessed it) tall grasses and herbaceous flowering plants called forbs—are imperiled.

The researchers found that cattle grazing on tallgrass prairie also benefited native species by about 30 percent. But American bison, also called buffalo, provided nearly three times the environmental benefit ([link removed]) as cows, and researchers aren’t yet sure why.

“We’re still kind of surprised at just how large of an effect bison had,” study leader Zak Ratajczak told National Geographic ([link removed]) . “I don’t think anyone would have predicted this ahead of time.”

Jason Baldes, tribal buffalo program manager for the National Wildlife Federation’s Tribal Partnerships Program, celebrated the findings.

“As Native people, as we restore this connection to the buffalo, it heals us. And that buffalo, by its presence on the land, heals the land,” he said ([link removed]) . “And that is something that we can all learn, understand, and benefit from.”


** Documents show Interior may support Willow Project
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Records obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request show that, as recently as June, the Bureau of Land Management indicated that it was leaning toward approving the Willow Project ([link removed]) , a $6 billion drilling proposal in the National Petroleum Reserve of Alaska.

The BLM released a new draft supplemental environmental impact statement for the project last month ([link removed]) , laying out several alternatives without specifying a preference. According to the statement ([link removed]) , Willow could emit as much as 284 million metric tons of carbon dioxide over 30 years, and would encroach on the habitat of the millions of migratory birds as well as over 80,000 caribou.

The Biden administration will issue a final decision on Willow in the coming months.
Quick hits


** Manchin permitting deal a mixed bag for mining
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E&E News ([link removed])


** EPA puts 15 states on notice regarding haze in national parks
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National Parks Conservation Association ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])


** Opinion: People of color must be included in Colorado Water Plan decisions
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Colorado Sun ([link removed])


** Here’s what the Great American Outdoors Act will bring Idaho
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Idaho Capital Sun ([link removed])


** ExxonMobil to store carbon dioxide on BLM lands in Wyoming
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WyoFile ([link removed])


** Montana ranchers, officials appeal bison grazing on US land
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Associated Press ([link removed])


** FERC endorses Klamath River dam removal project
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Washington Post ([link removed]) | Times-Standard ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])


** El Paso says now is the best time to designate Castner Range National Monument
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Stars and Stripes ([link removed])
Quote of the day
” People need to come forward and take action when they see something that isn't right or needs to be changed, because one person can make a difference, and this shows how that is so true.”
—81-year-old Joyce McClain ([link removed]) , who submitted a request to change the name of Oregon's Swastika Mountain
Picture this


** @usinterior ([link removed])
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Beargrass is a common wildflower found in @glaciernps ([link removed]) that typically starts blooming in late May in lower elevations and can continue through August in the high country.

Beargrass can grow up to five feet in height with long and wiry, grass-like basal leaves at the base of the stalk and a cluster of small, dense white flowers at the top. But Beargrass isn’t just interesting to look at – bears will use leaves as denning material and sheep, deer, elk and goats are known to eat Beargrass for sustenance.

Photo by Kim Denis Dessoliers

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