Position on S. 782 and S. 329

NPCA opposes S. 782, Senator McCain’s Grand Canyon Bison Management Act and supports S. 329, the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic River Act from Senator Murphy.

The Grand Canyon Bison Management Act, S.782, proposes a new culling management plan for hybrid bison in one of our nation’s most iconic national parks. In keeping with our position for the hearing of this bill in June, NPCA opposes this legislation because it is premature and does not defer to the local guidance of the managing agency. At present, the National Park Service (NPS) is preparing a Bison Management Plan for how to best deal with the non-native species within park boundaries. We urge the committee to defer to the expertise within the NPS to make recommendations regarding the removal or management of the hybrid bison in Grand Canyon National Park.

In addition to S. 782, NPCA would appreciate your consideration of S. 329, the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic River Act from Senator Murphy. NPCA supports S. 329 and urges you to vote for this legislation to expand our nation’s National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This bill would designate certain segments of the Farmington River and Salmon Brook as wild and scenic, recognizing that these areas are unique recreational and natural resources in an increasingly urbanized area of Connecticut.