Bison Range temporarily closes
Visitors fail to follow social-distancing guidelines
Linda Sappington
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
News from FWP
CHARLO – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is temporarily suspending public visitation and use at the National Bison Range, effective April 9.
The suspension of operations is to ensure the health and safety of visitors and employees in light of the novel coronavirus pandemic and the large increase in visitation experienced at the refuge in recent days that was precluding effective social distancing.
The decision to temporarily close the refuge to public use was supported by Lake County, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and the governor of Montana. In order to ensure quality care for the bison and our facilities, some refuge staff will continue to work on site.
The health and safety of visitors and employees at the National Bison Range are our number one priority. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with federal, state and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. A reopening date has not been determined at this time. We will notify the public when we reopen and will provide updates on our website and social media channels.
Updates about the Service’s response to coronavirus will posted at https://www.fws.gov/home/public-health-update.html. Please check the refuge website at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/national_bison_range, and their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NationalBisonRange, for updates and additional information.
