Ian Brickey, ian.brickey@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland issued a secretarial order creating a new program to restore bison herds and preserve large landscapes throughout the iconic species’ traditional range. The Department also announced a major new policy aimed at restoration and resiliency for public lands nationwide.
The new program, which is funded through $25 million from the Inflation Reduction Act, President Biden’s signature climate law, will also empower Tribes in bison preservation, expanding opportunities for Tribal management of bison herds.
The new public lands policy, which is part of a new Restoration and Resilience Framework, will focus on three areas: making public lands more resilient to the effects of climate change and assisting their recovery from wildfire, drought, and floods; restoring lands and wildlife habitats; and expanding opportunities for all communities to experience nature and cleaning up legacy pollution on public lands.
Both announcements coincide with World Wildlife Day, a United Nations-recognized celebration of all the world's wild animals, plants, and biodiversity.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous released the following statement:
“The recovery of bison from near-extinction to recovery is one of the great environmental success stories of the last half-century. Tribal stewardship of a species with such deep historical, cultural, and spiritual importance to Indigenous peoples could not be more appropriate. The Sierra Club celebrates Secretary Haaland’s announcements and welcomes this commitment to protecting iconic species and public lands, honoring our commitments to Tribes, and expanding access to the outdoors for all.
“Public lands are a promise to future generations. These new policies will ensure the vitality of the country’s treasured public lands and waters, that they will be part of our climate solution, and that the benefits of nature are available to all communities.”
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.