US to take longer look at contentious Montana bison proposal

Federal officials say they'll give the public more time to comment on a contentious proposal to expand bison grazing on public lands in north-central Montana. The move comes after Gov. Greg Gianforte criticized the Bureau of Land Management for holding just one virtual meeting on the proposal, which covers about 108 square miles south of Malta. Some ranchers strongly oppose plans by a Bozeman-based conservation group to eventually assemble a huge expanse of public and private lands for at least 10,000 bison. Federal officials gave their preliminary approval of the grazing plan earlier this month. A Bureau of Land Management spokesperson said the open comment period would be extended through Sept. 28.