Governor Greg Gianforte has expressed approval for the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) recent proposal to cancel grazing permits that had been issued to the American Prairie Reserve (APR). The decision is seen as a positive development for Montana’s ranchers and agricultural producers. “Today’s decision by BLM is a win for Montana’s ranchers, our agricultural producers, and the rule of law,” said Gov. Gianforte. He emphasized that the federal government must consider local communities’ needs and avoid overreach.
The proposed cancellation reverses previous authorization allowing APR to graze bison on over 63,000 acres of federal land. Governor Gianforte has long opposed these permits, arguing they violated both the Taylor Grazing Act and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). According to him, replacing livestock with non-production bison harmed local economies and ignored legal requirements for federal grazing permits.
“We have always said that the law is clear: grazing permits under the Taylor Grazing Act are for domestic livestock production,” Gov. Gianforte said. The administration had appealed BLM’s initial decision in 2022, citing economic impacts and issues related to fencing and containment.
The governor highlighted efforts by his administration, along with state agencies like the Montana Department of Agriculture, in opposing BLM’s actions since September 2021. Despite their objections, BLM authorized changes in July 2022, leading to further appeals and legal actions by the state. These efforts culminated in Secretary Doug Burgum assuming jurisdiction in December 2025, which led to today’s proposed permit cancellation.
“This administration will always stand with our farmers and ranchers against federal overreach,” concluded Gov. Gianforte.
The full text of BLM’s proposed decision can be accessed here.
