Bison Shared Stewardship

The Department of the Interior (DOI) has made a commitment to shared stewardship of wild bison in cooperation with states, tribes, and other stakeholders. In 2023, the DOI assembled a group of staff to initiate a process to develop the Bison Shared Stewardship Strategy, a high level strategy co-authored by bureau staff and tribal members.

Where did the idea of a Shared Stewardship Strategy originate?

Directed by Secretary’s Order 3410, entitled “Restoration of American Bison and the Prairie Grasslands,” and as Action 2 of the DOI Bison Conservation Initiative 2020, the envisioned Stewardship Strategy seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for American bison restoration, including strengthening long-term bison conservation partnerships. The Stewardship Strategy will include a description of the Department’s engagement with States, Tribes, landowners, and nongovernmental conservation partners. It will also identify specific opportunities for the Department to lead or support the establishment of additional wide-ranging, healthy, and brucellosis-free bison herds on Federal and Tribal lands.

About the Bison Shared Stewardship Strategy Project

The information below was included in a letter from Secretary Deb Haaland to Tribal Leaders.


Last updated: March 19, 2024