American Prairie

American Prairie (formerly known as American Prairie Reserve or APR) is a prairie-based nature reserve in Central Montana, United States, on a mixed grass prairie ecosystem with migration corridors and native wildlife. This wildlife conservation area is being developed as a private project of the American Prairie Foundation (APF). This independent non-profit organization aims to include over 3 million acres (12,000 km2) through a combination of both private and public lands.

American Prairie
LocationNortheast Montana
Nearest cityMalta
Coordinates47°44′41″N 107°46′33″W
Area462,803 acres (1,872.90 km2)
Established2001 (2001)
OperatorAmerican Prairie Foundation
WebsiteOfficial website

American Prairie provides public access to its land for all types of outdoor recreation including hiking, mountain biking, hunting, and fishing. The predominant economic activity in the region is the raising of cattle on homestead parcels along with adjacent rangeland leased from the federal government. Ranchers in the region are invited to adhere to wildlife-friendly standards on their ranches and required when grazing their cattle on American Prairie's parcels. Within large but securely fenced areas, American Prairie is developing a bison herd with attention to heritage genetics and minimal cattle introgression. Wildlife-friendly fencing allows the natural movement of wildlife such as pronghorn. Animals like prairie dogs are welcome amidst the native vegetation.

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