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Bison People Land – Indigenous-Led Bison Restoration & Grassland Hub in the Great Plains

Trust T1

Climate Zones: Temperate grassland.
Regenerative Focus: Prairie restoration, bison reintroduction, cultural preservation.

About this land node

Bison People Land reintroduces bison to the Great Plains, restoring grassland ecosystems and supporting Blackfeet and Crow-led conservation, fostering cultural revitalization and climate resilience.

Overview

Project Vision: Restore the prairie and heal cultural relationships through bison.
Project Purpose: Restore grassland ecosystems and support Indigenous-led conservation by reintroducing bison, improving soil health, and creating sustainable livelihoods.
Project Title: Bison People Land
Political Location: Montana State, USA

Ecology & biodiversity

Biodiversity context: Near Glacier National Park and Northern Great Plains biodiversity corridor.
Ecological corridors: Links Glacier to Yellowstone.
Natural boundaries: Within Missouri River watershed and Northern Plains.
Ecosystem unity: Temperate prairie landscape connecting grasslands and river valleys, supporting bison, pronghorns, and prairie dogs.

Climate & water

Climate Zones: Temperate grassland.
Rainfall patterns: Rainy May–Sep (~50 mm/month); cold winters Nov–Mar.
Average Rainfall: 400–600 mm/year
Temperature Extremes: -15°C to 30°C
Average Temperature: 10°C average
Watershed: Missouri River watershed draining to Gulf of Mexico.
Nearby water bodies: ≈20 km to Missouri River; ≈50 km to Yellowstone River

Land & terrain

Elevation & slope: 800–1,200 m; flat to rolling plains.
Landforms: Grassland plains and small hills.
Soil Types: Loamy fertile soils; improved through bison grazing and native planting.
Soil health: Moderate organic matter, rising with restoration.
Erosion risk: Low risk, mitigated by prairie restoration.
Renewable resource potential: Solar energy, biomass, water harvesting.

People & history

Land Acknowledgements: Honours Blackfeet and Crow heritage and stewardship.
Recent land history: Agricultural expansion and bison decline now reversed.

Regenerative practice

Regenerative Focus: Prairie restoration, bison reintroduction, cultural preservation.
Regenerative Methodologies: Bison herds, native seeding, rotational grazing, cultural education.
Environmental objectives: Increase prairie biodiversity, improve soil carbon, reintroduce bison.
Community objectives: Empower Indigenous communities, preserve culture, create economic opportunities.
Community engagement: Community-led tours, workshops, training programs.
Economic Model: Donations, eco‑tourism, cultural grants.

Impact

Expressed Impact: Restored 500 ha, reintroduced 50 bison, trained 100 locals.
Key impact metrics: Hectares restored, bison introduced, community members trained.

Visiting & links

Nearest urban centres: ≈60 km from Great Falls.
Website: https://www.ecosystemrestorationcommunities.org/community/bison-people-land/
Social media: https://www.instagram.com/ecorestorationcommunities