Montana's American Prairie

Montana Wildlife Bureau Chief Ken McDonald said Wednesday the American Prairie Reserve http://www.americanprairie.org/ near Malta was eliminated from consideration pending the adoption of a statewide bison conservation plan.

We’re delighted to announce the recent acquisition of approximately 22,000 acres of habitat, now known as Sun Prairie North.

Since 2002, we have added $24.2 million to the region, including land purchases, Reserve management, employee wages, taxes and fees, and visitation.

Engaging Children, Acres at a Time
Donor John Seel connects family members to the prairie ecosystem by ‘adopting’ acres of American Prairie Reserve in their name.

More than 1 million acres of the Great Plains are giving way to cornfields as farmers transform the wild expanse that once served as the backdrop for American pioneers.

"It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said George E. Matelich, the chairman of the conservation group, American Prairie Reserve, and a managing director of a New York private equity firm. "It’s a project for America."

I hope you will have the opportunity to find out what stories the prairie can tell you this year.

See how the Reserve’s sure and steady growth is a powerful example of how a mission driven, non-governmental effort can result in one of the most ambitious conservation projects ever undertaken in American history.

Thanks to your contributions, we acquired our largest property to date, grew the bison herd by more than 110 animals, installed our first interpretive signs, and connected the public to the prairie through exciting educational programs and volunteer opportunities.

"Prairie restoration is not for wimps!"