Bison in Yellowstone National Park have been managed under the Interagency Bison Management Plan (IBMP) since December 2000. The plan was designed to protect cattle from bison that carry brucellosis. If brucellosis infects cattle, the state could lose its brucellosis-class-free status, which harms livestock producers. After eight years, the IBMP will be moving into the second step of the three-step plan.
During step 1, bison are hazed back into the park or captured if hazing fails. Captured bison can be (but are not always) tested for brucellosis; those testing negative can be released, those testing positive go to slaughter. Step 2 on the north boundary of the park begins when cattle are removed from the Royal Teton Ranch.
On April 17, 2008, the National Park Service announced it is putting $1.5 million toward purchasing grazing rights from the Royal Teton Ranch, with the balance to be provided by the state of Montana and its partners. With this agreement, step 2 can begin on the north side of the park, allowing up to 100 tested bison outside the park's northern boundary within a limited area.
This progress comes after a winter when more than 1,200 bison were killed in management operations, 166 were killed in hunts, and approximately 450 succumbed to a harsh, lingering winter. Additionally, 112 calves were sent to a quarantine research facility. Yellowstone's bison population was 4,700 at the start of this winter; now an estimated 2,300 bison remain in the park. This amount of loss triggers a provision in the IBMP to stop killing bison. At the April 17 press conference, state and federal officials announced they would honor this provision and, with a few exceptions, lethal bison management would end for this season.

Surprise a friend or loved one with a $35 gift membership to the Yellowstone Association in memory of their special someone no longer with us. Your gift will help preserve one of Earth's most magnificent and fragile places.

In addition to an acknowledgment letter of the memorial gift donated by you, the gift recipient will receive the following benefits:

• Family membership in the Yellowstone Association
• 15% discount on Yellowstone Association items at the Park Stores (online or in the park)
• Discounts on Yellowstone Association Institute courses
• Subscription to Yellowstone Discovery and Yellowstone Today
• Library privileges at Yellowstone's Heritage and Research Center

Lace up your boots and hit the trail with the Institute this summer. Our backpacking courses take you into the vast wilderness of Yellowstone. Courses are four to ten days in length and are taught by both a backcountry expert, who teaches low-impact techniques and backpacking safely in bear country, as well as a content expert, who teaches the course topic. Courses are for physically fit adults who can carry their own gear and prepare their own meals. This summer's courses include:

• Cougar Ecology Backpack
• Dusty Boots and Splattered Paint
• Beartooth Basecamp
• Expedition to the Thorofare and Beyond
• Writing Retreat: The Wild Shore of Yellowstone

Originally a training manual for seasonal National Park Service employees, this annually updated book has evolved into one of the most sought-after references on Yellowstone National Park. This year features a special section on the fires of 1988. Do you want to know how the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone was formed? Do you ever wonder how many pronghorn live in the park? What are thermophiles and why are they so important? You'll find these answers and more in this easy-to-use compendium. Price: $14.95 ($12.71 for members)