Buffalo Allies of Bozeman meeting notes for 2008 05.14
Buffalo Allies of Bozeman Meeting Notes
May 14, 2008 at 7 PM
Montana State University Student Union Building (2nd floor cafeteria – NW corner)
Facilitator: Mel
Attendees: 4
Meeting opening, introductions, and review of agenda
Updates
1. BFC rally was today (5/14) 12pm to 2pm at the State Capitol in Helena. Jim and Joe went and discussed the event.
2. Informal meeting with HOBNOB for Thursday May 15th.
3. June educational event: Chris will book the venue at the Bozeman Public Library.
Agenda Items
1. Consensus was met for the revised campaign proposal as follows:
Buffalo Are Wildlife!
This campaign addresses the fact that wild bison are not considered wildlife but are instead considered "a species in need of management" by Montana law. Current management practices are founded upon this pretense, such that the recognition of bison as wildlife would obviate the use of the IBMP. This would appeal to wildlife advocates across political boundaries, thus motivating action towards the conservation and protection of bison herds beyond Yellowstone Park's boundaries.
Suggested modes of action include, but are not limited to:
· Working in solidarity with the GWA through work with legislative efforts (legislative/legal WG)
· Public education events, co-hosted with other groups (media/outreach and cooperation/support WG)
· Use population genetics and behavioral data to demonstrate the ecology of these organisms is more complex than what managers are assuming, undermining the IBMP (cooperation/support WG)
· Participation in events held by allied groups through mutual aid, attendance, and training for specialized needs (potentially all three WGs)
Updates from working groups
1. Media/Outreach
a. If GWA needs help with a powerpoint presentation for their legislative proposal our group is willing to help out.
b. Meeting times and other events will be posted to New West's Unfiltered Blog.
c. It was suggested that we could have tabling events at the local farmer's markets.
2. Cooperation/Support
a. Had some success canvassing yard sales last weekend for BFC's wishlist. It was suggested that we could collect items for BFC and meet up with members of BFC once a week.
b. The upcoming Sunday potluck (May 25th) may be the first of many depending on the turn-out. This event will be posted in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle's Forums and perhaps the Bozone.
3. Legislative/Legal
a. A canned letter in support of the 2009 Montana Wild Buffalo Recovery and Conservation Act will be posted on BAB's website with a listing of Montana state representatives so anyone searching the site can easily email a letter of support to their representatives.
General Announcements
Next Meeting: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 7 PM
Place: MSU Student Union Building 2nd floor cafeteria (NW corner)
Facilitator: Chris
