W W W. D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA NA . C O M
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alter the farm and ranch
economy that's been the
backbone of northeast-
ern Montana's small
towns for more than a
century.
"e health of the
cattle industry is vitally
important to the state of
Montana and we're committed to making sure that our bison herd
is not in any way promoting or disseminating disease that would
hurt our neighbors," said Ali Fox, CEO for American Prairie Re-
serve. "All of our bison are routinely tested and our herd is brucel-
losis free."
"When we're finished with this project, we're going to be sur-
rounded by about half a million head of cattle and by people who
continue to make a living through ranching. We don't view this as
a zero-sum game, where in order for 'us' to win, 'they' have to lose,"
added Geddes.
"We can co-exist with the ranching community and we're
committed to being good neighbors," said Fox. "It's important for
people to understand
that we are not trying
to replace the tradition-
al agricultural lifestyle
but we are making
additive, positive eco-
nomic contributions to
the region."
Since 2002, APR's
expenditures in the seven-county region total more than $36
million including land purchases, wages paid to local staff, tour-
ism activities, equipment and supply purchases, payments to local
contractors and real estate taxes.
Public access has always been a cornerstone of the Reserve. Tour-
ism and recreation underscores that cornerstone, and also has the
potential to increase the organization's positive economic contribu-
tion. So in recent years, getting visitors out to experience this scenic
and remote landscape has become a priority for the organization.
"Look. Right here is why I do this," said Mike Kautz, Recreation
Manager for American Prairie Reserve, as he pointed to a prong-
horn buck sauntering through one of the draws against the back-
Watch more about
American Prairie Reserve
www.distinctlymontana.com/apr184
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A N D N E A R L Y I M P O S S I B L E T O F O R G E T .
DENNIS LINGOHR
