Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Conduct First Prescribed Burn at Bison Range in Decades

Butte Bozeman, MT, September 23, 2026 —

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) have successfully executed a large-scale prescribed burn covering more than 1,800 acres at the CSKT Bison Range. This controlled fire marks a significant ecological undertaking, being the first of its kind at the range in several decades.

The primary objectives behind this extensive burn are the restoration of native wildlife habitat and the re-establishment of the land’s historical ecological conditions. Prescribed fires are a vital tool for land management, designed to mimic natural fire cycles that are essential for the health and diversity of many ecosystems. By carefully managing these fires, land managers can reduce the risk of uncontrolled wildfires, promote the growth of native vegetation, and create environments that are more conducive to native species.

The CSKT Bison Range, a protected area managed by the Tribes, is home to a variety of wildlife and plays a crucial role in conservation efforts. Restoring its natural ecological state through methods like prescribed burning is intended to enhance the resilience of the landscape and support the long-term survival of its inhabitants. The specific timeline for when this burn was conducted was not provided, nor were details on the contractor’s name, the exact acreage, or the permit status and inspection outcomes related to the burn. However, the initiative underscores a commitment to ecological restoration and traditional land management practices.

Story summarized from the original created by Robyn Wayne on www.kxlf.com, see more information here.