Will America's Bison Survive the Trump Administration?

Yellowstone National Park’s bison are more than just iconic wildlife—they are living symbols of American conservation and cultural resilience. Yet, their management has long been a flashpoint between ecological integrity, Indigenous rights, livestock interests, and shifting federal policies. As the Trump administration intensifies environmental rollbacks, the fate of Yellowstone’s bison—and the broader health of U.S. public lands—hangs in the balance.

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A Brief History: From Near Extinction to Recovery

Before European settlement, an estimated 30 to 60 million bison roamed North America, from the Appalachian Mountains in the east to the Pacific Northwest, and from northern Canada down to the north of Mexico. They dominated the Great Plains and much of the interior grasslands, playing a crucial ecological role in shaping the landscape. Their immense range and numbers made them one of the most successful large mammals on Earth.

For many Native American nations, bison were—and remain—far more than just a source of food or materials. Bison are sacred beings, central to cultural identity, spirituality, and the survival of their species. Countless tribes honor the bison in their oral histories, ceremonies, and creation stories. The bison symbolizes strength, unity, abundance, and the deep relationship between humans and the natural world.

However, the arrival of European Americans triggered catastrophic changes. In the 19th century, bison were slaughtered by the millions, both for commercial purposes (hides, meat, and bones) and as a deliberate tool of war to subjugate Native nations who depended on them. By the late 1800s, fewer than 1,000 bison remained across North America, and Yellowstone’s remnant population of just 23 animals became one of the last refuges for the species.

The U.S. government's relationship with bison has historically been schizophrenic. On one hand, it orchestrated the near extermination of bison to undercut Indigenous resistance and clear land for settlement and railroads. On the other hand, as the extinction crisis became undeniable, it led to early conservation efforts to save species, which often excluded or disregarded the voices of Native people.

In 1902, recognizing the urgent need for action, Yellowstone National Park supplemented its tiny surviving herd with 21 bison relocated from private ranches. These bison were initially managed at the Lamar Buffalo Ranch before being allowed to reestablish a wild, free-ranging population. By 1954, the herd had grown to about 1,300 animals.

In the 1960s, the National Park Service adopted a policy of "natural regulation," allowing wildlife populations, including bison, to fluctuate naturally without artificial intervention in their population control. This marked a major philosophical shift, acknowledging the bison’s rightful place as a wild animal, not simply a managed commodity.

Today, Yellowstone’s bison represent the last continuously free-ranging, genetically pure herd in the contiguous United States—a living testament to both America’s environmental failures and its capacity for ecological redemption.

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The Modern Management Landscape

Today, Yellowstone’s bison population is managed under the Interagency Bison Management Plan (IBMP), established in 2000. This collaborative effort involves federal, state, and tribal entities working together to address the complex issues surrounding bison conservation, including disease management and migration outside park boundaries.

A central concern is brucellosis, a disease that can be transmitted from bison to cattle. However, despite decades of fear, there have been no confirmed cases of wild bison directly transmitting brucellosis to livestock. Most known transmissions involve elk, not bison.

Yet bison, not elk, are subjected to aggressive culling, hazing, and slaughter when they migrate beyond park boundaries. This selective treatment reflects the outsized influence of the livestock industry in shaping wildlife management policies. Ranching groups, fearful of potential restrictions on grazing rights and disease exposure, have consistently pressured state and federal agencies to limit bison numbers. In contrast, elk, who also carry and transmit brucellosis and routinely mingle with cattle, are largely left alone because they are a prized game species for hunters, another politically influential group in Montana and neighboring states.

This double standard highlights how economic and political pressures, not purely science or public safety, often drive bison management decisions.

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Potential Solutions: Pros and Cons

1. Culling and Hunting

• Pros: Helps maintain bison populations at levels deemed manageable by state and federal agencies; addresses ranchers' concerns about disease transmission.

• Cons: Raises ethical and ecological concerns; disrupts natural behaviors and social structures within bison herds; undermines cultural values of Indigenous communities.

2. Bison Conservation Transfer Program

• Pros: Allows for the relocation of brucellosis-free bison to tribal lands, supporting cultural restoration and reducing the need for culling.

• Cons: Requires extensive testing and quarantine procedures; faces logistical and political challenges in implementation.

3. Expanding Habitat and Migration Corridors

• Pros: Supports natural bison behaviors and ecological roles; reduces conflicts by providing more space for bison to roam.

• Cons: May face opposition from landowners and ranchers; requires significant policy changes and land-use planning.

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The Trump Administration’s Impact on Wildlife Management

The Trump administration implemented policies widely seen as detrimental to wildlife and public lands. These included:

• Reducing Protected Lands: Shrinking national monuments to allow for more mining, drilling, and development.

• Weakening the Endangered Species Act: Redefining "harm" to exclude habitat destruction, undercutting protections for threatened species.

• Cutting Scientific Funding: Slashing support for research vital to managing wildlife health and ecosystem resilience.

These rollbacks emboldened industries already hostile to conservation efforts, including ranching groups seeking fewer restrictions on public lands.

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What You Can Do: Standing Up for National Parks and Wildlife

The good news? Bison have survived threats before, and they can again. But only if we step up.

Stay informed – Policies can change overnight, but awareness is the first step in fighting back.

Make your voice heard – Contact your representatives, support conservation groups, and demand accountability.

Make your voice heard, part 2: Write your local papers expressing your support for national parks, public lands, and opposition to Trump's policies.

Spread the word: Post your support for parks on social media, and encourage your friends and colleagues to get involved.

Amplify your impact: Join and support non-profits defending our public domain.

Visit and support our parks – Show the world that these places matter as protected landscapes and as vital pieces of our national heritage.

Conclusion

The management of Yellowstone’s bison reflects broader tensions in American conservation between ecological integrity, cultural heritage, economic power, and political influence. As policies shift and challenges mount, the role of public engagement becomes increasingly vital.

By staying informed and active, individuals can help protect these iconic animals—and the public lands they call home—for future generations.

Ultimately, how we choose to sustain the last remaining free-ranging herd of wild bison is about more than just wildlife management—it's a reflection of our values as a people.

Making space for bison to live and roam freely honors the natural world, acknowledges past injustices against Indigenous communities, and reaffirms a commitment to stewardship over exploitation.

In standing up for Yellowstone’s bison, we affirm that conservation, compassion, and coexistence are not relics of the past, but guiding principles for our future.

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Meet Sean Smith, a master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning
conservationist and former National Park Ranger has trekked through the wilderness of Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades, keeping nature safe with his trusty ranger hat and boots. But Sean's talents don't stop there. He's a TEDx speaker and even a private pilot.

But amidst all these adventures, Sean's heart beats for storytelling. He's been spinning tales since childhood, and now he writes thrilling national park novels that'll have you hooked from the first page. Imagine the drama and mystery of the mountains combined with the adrenaline of a rollercoaster ride. That's what you'll find in Sean's books, set against the majestic backdrop of Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and Mount Rainier. His most recent thriller is in Glacier and will drop later this year.

So, if you're craving an escape into the wild, look no further. Grab a copy of Sean's novels and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. These stories will transport you to the heart of the national parks, where danger lurks and heroes rise. Don't miss out! Find all his captivating novels right here and at the included QR code. 

The Trojan Horse of Current State-Assistance in Federal Land Management: A Dangerous Precedent for the Future of National Parks and other Public Lands

In recent weeks, the damage wrought by the Trump administration to our National Parks and other public lands has forced individual states to take unprecedented actions to fill the void left by Trump's neglect. Across the country, we have seen states stepping in to repair washed-out roads, restore damaged ecosystems, and even rehire park and forest rangers who were dismissed or whose positions were eliminated under Trump’s leadership.

These efforts, particularly those in places like Washington State, where officials have allocated funds to restore roads in Olympic National Park, are commendable. They are deeply committed to preserving America’s natural heritage and ensuring these cherished landscapes remain accessible. However, beneath these well-intentioned state actions lies a dangerous and potentially catastrophic precedent: the growing argument that states should assume full responsibility for public lands, or worse, that these lands should be transferred to private ownership. What appears to be a noble act of stewardship could, in fact, become the Trojan horse for the greatest public land giveaway in American history.

The Trump Administration’s Assault on Public Lands

The damage inflicted on National Parks and federal lands during Trump’s presidency cannot be overstated. In his first term, Trump aggressively pursued a deregulatory agenda that prioritized extractive industries over conservation, slashing the budgets of the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Forest Service while significantly reducing the size of protected lands such as Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. The administration also weakened environmental protections, fast-tracked oil and gas leasing, and dismissed or forced out career park rangers and scientists who opposed its policies. Most recently, he rescinded two California national monuments.

His past and current reckless policies have left the NPS and other federal land management agencies in a crisis, with significant maintenance backlogs, staffing shortages, and degraded infrastructure. As a result, when natural disasters such as landslides and wildfires struck, many parks lacked the resources necessary to recover. This is where states began to step in.

State-Led Interventions: A Short-Term Solution with Long-Term Consequences

Faced with federal inaction, some states have taken matters into their own hands. In Washington, state leaders have allocated hundreds of thousands to repair washed-out roads in Olympic National Park, a critical lifeline for visitors and local economies. Similarly, states like California and Oregon have increased wildfire prevention on public lands or begun efforts to maintain environmental protections at or above current federal standards. Perhaps most significantly, several states are hiring former federal employees who lost their jobs under Trump, ensuring that local expertise in land management is not entirely lost.

While these actions are necessary to mitigate the damage caused by federal neglect, they also set a dangerous precedent. Suppose states continue to shoulder the burden of managing public lands. In that case, it will reinforce the argument—often advanced by anti-federal land advocates—that the federal government can no longer maintain national parks and forests. This, in turn, fuels the narrative that these lands would be better managed by states or private entities, a notion that has long been promoted by industries eager to exploit public lands for profit.

The Push to Privatize: A Looming Threat

The argument for transferring federal lands to states is not new. For decades, conservative lawmakers, industry lobbyists, and anti-government activists have sought to dismantle federal control over public lands, often under the guise of “local control” and “states’ rights.” The Trump administration emboldened these efforts, with figures like former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and Utah Senator Mike Lee openly advocating for transferring national lands to state ownership. States across the West feel emboldened by the Trump administration's new approach and are taking action to assert co-management of national parks or abolish federal landholdings altogether. This move would likely lead to increased privatization, development, and resource extraction.

With states now stepping in to manage and restore federally owned lands, these proponents have found new ammunition for their cause. The logic is insidious: if states are already paying for the upkeep of national parks, why not give them complete control? If the federal government cannot be trusted to maintain roads and infrastructure, why not sell the land to those who can? What begins as an emergency measure to protect national treasures could ultimately be used to justify their dismantling.

The Risks of State Control

The transfer of federal lands to state governments carries enormous risks. Unlike the federal government, which is obligated to manage these lands for the benefit of all Americans, states often lack the financial resources and legal frameworks necessary to maintain public access and conservation protections. With budget shortfalls, states could be pressured to sell off lands to private developers, logging companies, or oil and gas interests. Legislators have already expressed interest in doing that in many Western states, such as Alaska, Arizona, and Idaho.

In short, what many Western states want is Subsidize Anarchy. These states want it both ways when it comes to federal land management: they want the financial support of the American taxpayer to cover the costs of maintaining and managing vast federal lands, but they also want state and local interests to dictate how those lands are used. This approach creates a scenario where states push for increased autonomy over public lands—often favoring extractive industries, development, or reduced environmental oversight—while still expecting federal funding for infrastructure, wildfire suppression, and land stewardship. Essentially, western states want the benefits of federal ownership without the accountability that comes with it, shifting costs to the national taxpayer while prioritizing an inconsistent morass of local economic and political interests over broader conservation and public access goals.

But most importantly, state and private control would undermine the very purpose of national parks and federal lands: to be preserved in perpetuity for all Americans, not just those who live in a particular state. Public lands belong to the nation as a whole, and their management should reflect the collective interests of all citizens, not just the political whims of state governments.

A Call to Strengthen Federal Protections

Instead of allowing state interventions to justify land transfers, policymakers must double down on restoring federal leadership in public land management. This means fully funding the National Park Service, reinstating environmental protections rolled back under Trump, and passing legislation strengthening protections against land privatization. It also requires addressing the root causes of federal neglect—namely, political interference and budget cuts that have weakened agencies like the NPS and the U.S. Forest Service.

Additionally, we must remain vigilant against efforts to use state-led restoration as an argument for privatization. While states should be commended for stepping in where the federal government has failed, their role should be seen as a stopgap measure, not a long-term solution. The goal must always be to restore federal responsibility and ensure our public lands remain in public hands.

Conclusion: A Slippery Slope We Must Avoid

Repairing roads in Olympic National Park, rehiring fired rangers, and other state-led interventions are essential to address our national parks' immediate crises. However, these efforts also create a dangerous opening for those who seek to dismantle federal land protections. What appears to be a necessary act of stewardship could be weaponized against the very idea of public lands, transforming them from a national trust into a commodity to be sold off to the highest bidder.

The American people must reject this Trojan horse strategy and demand that the federal government resume its rightful role as the steward of our national parks and forests. Anything less risks the irreversible loss of our most cherished public lands. The solution to Trump-era neglect is not to abandon federal responsibility but to restore and strengthen it, ensuring that America’s public lands remain public—not just for today but for future generations.

What We Can Do

The good news? These parks have survived threats before—and they can again. But only if we step up.

• Stay informed – Policies can change overnight, but awareness is the first step in fighting back.
• Make your voice heard – Contact your representatives, support conservation groups, and demand accountability.
• Make your voice heard part 2: Write your local papers expressing your support for national parks, public lands, and opposition to Trump's policies.
• Spread the word: Post your support for parks on social media, and encourage your friends and colleagues to get involved.
• Amplify your impact: Join and support non-profits defending our public domain.
• Visit and support our parks – Show the world that these places matter as protected landscapes and as vital pieces of our national heritage.

###

Meet Sean Smith, the master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning conservationist and former National Park Ranger has trekked through the wilderness of Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades, keeping nature safe with his trusty ranger hat and boots. But Sean's talents don't stop there. He's a TEDx speaker and even a private pilot, soaring through the skies like a bald eagle on a mission.

But amidst all these adventures, Sean's heart beats for storytelling. He's been spinning tales since childhood, and now he writes thrilling national park novels that'll have you hooked from the first page. Imagine the drama and mystery of the mountains combined with the adrenaline of a rollercoaster ride. That's what you'll find in Sean's books, set against the majestic backdrop of Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and Mount Rainier. His most recent thriller is set in Glacier and will drop later this year.

So, if you're craving an escape into the wild, look no further. Grab a copy of Sean's novels and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. These stories will transport you to the heart of the national parks, where danger lurks and heroes rise. Don't miss out! Find all his captivating novels right here and at the included QR code. 

Trump 2.0: What Could Another Trump Administration Mean for America’s National Parks?

As the prospect of a second Trump administration looms on the horizon, questions arise about the potential impact on America’s beloved National Parks. While these iconic spaces are often seen as untouchable sanctuaries of natural beauty and wildlife, history has shown that federal policies and leadership can profoundly influence their management, conservation, and accessibility. Here’s a closer look at what Trump 2.0 might mean for the National Park System.

A Legacy of Cuts and Controversy

During his first term, Donald Trump’s administration pursued policies many conservationists viewed as detrimental to public lands. Trump proposed slashing budgets for the Department of the Interior (DOI), the agency responsible for overseeing the National Park System. These cuts threatened critical programs ranging from maintenance and infrastructure to resource conservation and visitor services. Simultaneously, the administration’s decision to relocate key federal land management offices to Western states led to significant staff turnover and a loss of institutional knowledge, further undermining the ability to effectively manage these lands.

The Antiquities Act: A Tool for Reduction

Perhaps the most controversial action affecting public lands during Trump’s first term was his unprecedented use of the Antiquities Act to reduce the size of national monuments. Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante in Utah saw their protections drastically scaled back, opening millions of acres to potential mining, drilling, and other extractive industries. Such actions sent shockwaves through the conservation community and raised concerns about the future integrity of other federally protected lands.

Leadership Matters: The Doug Burgum Factor

Trump’s choice of North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum to head the Department of the Interior signals a continuation of policies favoring energy development over conservation. Burgum’s deep ties to the oil and gas industry raise questions about potential conflicts of interest and the prioritization of fossil fuel extraction over the stewardship of public lands. With Burgum at the helm, the DOI could pursue an agenda that prioritizes short-term economic gains at the expense of long-term environmental sustainability.

Climate Change Skepticism

The Trump administration’s record on climate change is well-documented, with policies often dismissing or outright denying the scientific consensus. This skepticism has far-reaching implications for the National Park System, where climate change already has visible effects—from shrinking glaciers in Glacier National Park to rising sea levels threatening coastal parks like Everglades National Park. Without robust federal leadership acknowledging and addressing these challenges, parks could face unprecedented threats to their ecosystems and infrastructure.

Implications for Public Access and New Parks

Trump’s policies also risk limiting public access to parks. Budget cuts and reduced staffing could mean fewer resources for maintaining trails, visitor centers, and campgrounds, potentially diminishing the visitor experience. These cuts and the likely reduction in service may embolden some to take advantage of the self-inflicted crisis to assert false ownership of parks and forests and that they should be returned to the states. Moreover, establishing new parks, which require political will and financial investment, seems unlikely under an administration focused on reducing federal oversight and promoting resource extraction.

A Call to Action

America’s National Parks are often referred to as “America’s best idea,” embodying a commitment to preserving the nation’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations. The potential impact of a second Trump administration on these treasures underscores the importance of vigilance and advocacy. Public lands belong to everyone, and their future depends on collective action to ensure they remain protected, accessible, and resilient in the face of mounting challenges.

As the nation watches the evolving political landscape, it’s crucial to consider the stakes for our National Parks and the values they represent. Their preservation is not just about protecting landscapes and wildlife; it’s about safeguarding the legacy of a shared American heritage.

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Meet Sean Smith, the master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning conservationist and former National Park Ranger has trekked through the wilderness of Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades, keeping nature safe with his trusty ranger hat and boots. But Sean's talents don't stop there. He's a TEDx speaker and even a private pilot, soaring through the skies like a bald eagle on a mission.

But amidst all these adventures, Sean's heart beats for storytelling. He's been spinning tales since childhood, and now he writes thrilling national park novels that'll have you hooked from the first page. Imagine the drama and mystery of the mountains combined with the adrenaline of a rollercoaster ride. That's what you'll find in Sean's books, set against the majestic backdrop of Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and Mount Rainier. His most recent thriller is set in Glacier and will drop later this year.

So, if you're craving an escape into the wild, look no further. Grab a copy of Sean's novels and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. These stories will transport you to the heart of the national parks, where danger lurks and heroes rise. Don't miss out! Find all his captivating novels right here and at the included QR code. 

National Park Talk: Dianne DuBois Interview

On this episode of National Park Talk, we talk with Dianne DuBois with the Center for Biological Diversity.  We discuss Trump administration efforts to strip the Gray wolf of federal protections, the history of wolf conservation, and what concerned citizens can do to protect the wolf.

To contact the Trump Administration and voice your support for protecting the wolves, please visit the following link: www.saveourwolves.org


The episode can be downloaded here.

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Sean Smith is an award winning conservationist and author. He is a former National Park Ranger at Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades. He is a TEDx speaker, and private pilot. He graduated from the University of Washington in 1989 with a degree in Political Science. He got his master's in Natural Resources Management from Central Washington University in 1996. He currently runs Washington State's efforts to reduce and eliminate toxic chemicals from consumer products and serves as the Mayor Pro Tem of Covington.

He has been writing stories and books since he was a child and currently writes national park thrillers from the shadow of Mount Rainier.  All his novels can be found here: Mr. Sean D Smith

Are we ready to heed the call of the wild?

The Trump Administration recently announced its plan to remove federal protection from the
endangered Gray Wolf. My op-ed on my experience with America's wolves and the history of their recovery can be found here.

The federal government is taking comments on its plan.  Please send a letter today and oppose the Trump government's efforts to delist the wolf.

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Sean Smith is an award winning conservationist and author. He is a former National Park Ranger at Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades. He is a TEDx speaker, and private pilot. He graduated from the University of Washington in 1989 with a degree in Political Science. He got his master's in Natural Resources Management from Central Washington University in 1996. He currently runs Washington State's efforts to reduce and eliminate toxic chemicals from consumer products and serves as the Mayor Pro Tem of Covington.

He has been writing stories and books since he was a child and currently writes national park thrillers from the shadow of Mount Rainier.  All his novels can be found here: Mr. Sean D Smith

Join the Pack and Stand Up for Wolves!

The Trump administration recently announced that its proposing to remove federal protection for the gray wolf. If this action goes through, the management of the nation’s wolf packs would devolve to inconsistent state control. Some states have already signaled they will work to dramatically reduce wolf packs, going so far as to authorizing needless trophy hunts.

The Trump administration has opened a sixty day comment period on their plans to de-list the gray wolf. Hand signed postcards can carry more weight but all comment helps.

Click the image on the right, print, sign and mail it today to raise your voice in support of wolves!

Comments must be received by May 14th, 2019.

For more information on the government's plans to de-list the gray wolf, please click here.

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Sean Smith is an award winning conservationist and author. He is a former National Park Ranger at Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades. He is a TEDx speaker, and private pilot. He graduated from the University of Washington in 1989 with a degree in Political Science. He got his master's in Natural Resources Management from Central Washington University in 1996. He currently runs Washington State's efforts to reduce and eliminate toxic chemicals from consumer products and serves as the Mayor Pro Tem of Covington.

He has been writing stories and books since he was a child and currently writes national park thrillers from the shadow of Mount Rainier.  All his novels can be found here: Mr. Sean D Smith

Who is Calling for the Review of Our National Monuments?

On April 26th 2017, the Trump administration announced its plan to review 22 national monuments established under the Antiquities Act since 1996. The Antiquities Act is federal law that authorizes the President to designate national monuments on federal property. National Monuments cannot be designated on state or private property.

On May 5th, the Department of Interior announced a 45 day comment period on this review, asking the public to comment on the legality of these designations, their impact upon multiple uses, local support, and impacts upon regional economies. 

Many immediately questioned the President's motivation for ordering this review.  Two of the main arguments offered up as support for this review are that the public doesn't support monument designations and that they harm regional economies, killing jobs, and ending traditional uses of the land.

Immediately after the President's announcement in April, I filed Freedom of Information Act requests with the Departments of Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, and Energy for the following:

a.      Any public communication to the Department of Interior and/or its Bureaus on or since January 20, 2017 requesting a review of the national monuments identified in President Trump’s Executive Order dated April 26, 2017.

b.  Any information on the impacts to local, regional, and national economies produced by the monuments at issue.

All agencies, expect the Department of Agriculture have confirmed receipt of the requests.  The DOE, DOI, and DOC began processing the request almost immediately.  

The Department of Energy (DOE) has completed its review and found no records responsive to request.  Under President Trump, the Department of Energy has received not one request to review national monuments. In other words, no one has called upon President Trump to make this review. Nor does the DOE have any information on the impact national monuments have on regional economies. 

It's expected the remaining agencies will turn up a similar lack of information. 

So if Trump hasn't received a request to make this review and the federal government has no information on the economic impacts of these monuments, the major questions remains, why is the Trump administration conducting this review?

The DOE's response can be found below.

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Sean Smith is an award winning conservationist and author. He is a former National Park Ranger at Yellowstone, a TEDx speaker, and private pilot. He graduated from the University of Washington in 1989 with a degree in Political Science. He got his master's in Natural Resources Management from Central Washington University in 1996. He currently runs Washington State's efforts to reduce and eliminate toxic chemicals from consumer products and serves as the Mayor Pro Tem of Covington.

He has been writing stories and books since he was a child and currently writes national park thrillers from the shadow of Mount Rainier.

All his novels can be found here: Mr. Sean D Smith