The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have drafted legislation for returning the National Bison Range to federal trust ownership.

The agreement comes after a lawsuit was filed challenging the transfer of the lands and control of the bison, saying more research is needed.

The Missoulian reports the draft legislation promises to continue bison conservation programs and provide public access to the wildlife refuge if the federal government gives up all interests in the bison on the lands that would be transferred.

The tribes are asking Montana's congressional delegation to introduce the bill, but there has been no agreement on the legislation.

Reported by the Associated Press

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