Comment from Hayes, Stephanie

It is imperative to make corrections to some regulations that further endanger the last of the majestic Buffalo in this country. Please heed all the signs and situations, and make necessary changes to preserve these important creatures.<br/>Excessive hunting along Yellowstone&rsquo;s North and West boundaries that blocks migration to available habitat, prevents restoration, and results in numerous pregnant females being killed.<br/>The presence of invasive cattle along with accompanying fencing that takes away critical habitat.<br/>Threats of diseases from invasive cattle.<br/>Human developments such as agricultural lands, sub-divisions, roads, etc., that have all but destroyed ancient migration corridors and habitat connectivity.<br/>Government-created &ldquo;drop dead zones&rdquo; and &ldquo;intolerance zones&rdquo; that prevent wild, migratory bison from accessing public and private lands.<br/>The lack of safe passage infrastructure along dangerous highways, specifically U.S. Hwy. 191, which cut through a critical migration corridor in Montana&rsquo;s Hebgen Basin.<br/>The poor decision by the USNF Gallatin National Forest which denied wild, migratory buffalo Species of Conservation Concern status.<br/>The draconian law, MCA 81-2-120, that gives authority over wild, migratory bison to the Montana Department of Livestock.<br/>Climate changes resulting in accelerated rises in temperature and less precipitation that impairs these Ice Age mammals&rsquo; evolutionary potential, by threatening their ability to adapt to increased and prolonged heat.<br/>Climate changes alters the composition of grasses and sedges rendering them less nutritious.<br/>The failure of of state, tribal, and federal managers to consider the perspective of the buffalo in management decisions.<br/>The refusal of the State of Montana to allow buffalo to migrate onto buffalo-friendly private lands.<br/><br/>Thank you