Ian Brickey, ian.brickey@sierraclub.org
CHEYENNE, WY – This week, the White House and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) announced $122.4 million in grants through the America the Beautiful Challenge (ATBC), including millions to support buffalo population recovery.
The announcement included $3 million for the Eastern Shoshone Tribe to expand its Yellowstone Bison Conservation Transfer Program. The program seeks to aid population recovery among the iconic species. The new project will increase the program’s capacity and aims to create 20 new herds, which will enhance the recovery efforts of each Tribal Nation.
In total, the public-private partnership issued 61 new grants to support conservation projects across 42 states, 19 Tribal Nations, and three U.S. territories. About 42 percent of all 2024 ATBC funding is going to support Indigenous-led projects.
In response, Kaycee Prevedel, Sierra Club Wyoming Chapter Public Lands and Wildlife Organizer, released the following statement:
“We’re thrilled with this acknowledgment of the value in the Eastern Shoshone Tribe's efforts to aid in buffalo recovery, a keystone species that is so important to Wind River Reservation communities.
“This funding will help the Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative expand the Shoshone and Arapaho conservation herds. It will also help make more buffalo available to Tribal Nations throughout the country as they work to bring buffalo back as wildlife, ensure greater food sovereignty and security, and restore cultural connections. It’s incredible to witness the Indigenous-led momentum in restoring one of our most iconic species to their native habitats."
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.