November 20, 2006

To:      Administrative Record

From:  Interagency Bison Management Plan Partner Agencies

Re:      Adjustments to 2006-2007 Interagency Bison Management Plan
           Operating Procedures

Pursuant to the Federal and Montana Records of Decision of December
2000, the Interagency Bison Management Plan (IBMP) is to be put into
operation with expected adjustments based on feedback from
implementation of a suite of risk management actions. Based upon
collective evaluation of prevailing management activities and consideration
of the IBMP objectives, the partner agencies have agreed to incorporate the
following into the 2006-2007 IBMP Operating Procedures:

1.  Strategic Hazing - Bison outside the park between November 1 and
     May 15 that are subject to hazing under the IBMP could be hazed away
     from higher risk areas towards area(s) of lower risk outside the park.
     The Montana State Veterinarian will retain jurisdiction and discretion to
     implement strategic hazing outside the park.

2.  Tolerance of Bull Bison - In recognition of guidelines to implement the
     Montana bison hunt, bull bison (single to small groups) outside the park
     between November 1 and May 15 that are otherwise subject to hazing or
     removal under the IBMP, could be tolerated if deemed of low risk to
     disease transmission, and public or property safety. The Montana State
     Veterinarian will retain jurisdiction and discretion to implement such
     tolerance of bull bison outside the park.

3.  Bison Population Guideline - As referenced in the Federal and Montana
     Records of Decision, a population size of 3,000 bison is defined as a
     population indicator to guide implementation of risk management
     activities, and is not a target for deliberate population adjustment.

Becki Heath, Forest Supervisor, USFS, Gallatin National Forest - 11-20-06

Jerry Diemer, Associate Regional Director, USDA, Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services - 11-20-06

Pat Flowers, Regional Supervisor, Montana Fish, wildlife and Parks - 11/20/06

Tom Linfield, State Veterinarian, Montana Department of Livestock - 20-Nov-06

Suzanne Lewis, Superintendent, Yellowstone National Park - 11-20-06