WHEREAS, brucellosis affects a substantial numbers of Bison and elk in the state of Montana, particularly around the Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA); and

WHEREAS, the implementation of split state status will not address the eradication of brucellosis in Montana wildlife herds; and

WHEREAS, in order to qualify for split state status Montana would have to establish regulatory authority for maintaining separate areas within the state; and

WHEREAS, the monitoring of cattle movements across area boundaries would require extensive resources including personnel and equipment; and

WHEREAS, if split state status were achieved it cannot compel other states or countries to recognize the validity of the program, and other states would still be free to impose Class A restrictions on the entire state; and

WHEREAS, Montana must deal with brucellosis at its source – the diseased wildlife in the GYA; and

WHEREAS, the Greater Yellowstone Interagency Brucellosis Committee would be responsible for developing tools and criteria to eliminate brucellosis in bison and elk in the GYA,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the MACD encourage Governor Schweitzer to sign the Memorandum of Understanding directing the Greater Yellowstone Interagency Brucellosis Committee to address the root of the brucellosis problem; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the MACD encourages all signatories of the Interagency Bison Management Plan to fully implement the plan to prevent the spread of brucellosis; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that MACD opposes other action that may facilitate the spread of the disease prior to implementation of Interagency Bison Management Plan.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Montana Association of Conservation Districts stand opposed to the implementation of split state status on the livestock producers of Montana for the management of brucellosis.