The Northeastern RAC voted unanimously to accept the Bookcliffs bison management plan after presenters said a committee of local stakeholders reached consensus following two meetings.

Presenter Glenn Sampson described wider bison distribution across the landscape and committee recommendations. In discussion a RAC member asked whether the plan increases the population objective from 450 to roughly 650 animals; Sampson confirmed the herd is using more of the unit and that a higher objective reflects wider distribution.

The RAC and public also debated impacts on other species and water resources. A public commenter said that concentrated bison herds were drying up small, locally developed water sources and asked whether the herd could be dispersed. Sampson replied that collar data show multiple smaller herds moving through the Bitter Creek unit and that hunting pressure and habitat work have helped spread bison impacts across the unit. "One way you can definitely influence their movements is through hunting pressure," Sampson said, adding that habitat efforts and prior over‑the‑counter hunts had reduced concentrations.

Members raised feral-horse and feral-cattle issues; staff reported recent removal efforts (department and local permittees removed hundreds of animals this past summer). Sampson said state and county coordination is underway and noted Colorado's management classification change for bison slated to take effect Jan. 1; "Colorado, they currently don't value bison as a wildlife species, and that's gonna change on January 1," Sampson said, adding that before that change a bison crossing the state line could be treated as trespass livestock in Colorado.

The RAC voted to accept the plan. Staff will continue monitoring, collaring and periodic assessment, and coordinate with county and interstate partners on removal and harvest strategies.