FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 1, 2009
http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org
Contacts:  Stephany Seay, Buffalo Field Campaign 406-646-0070, bfc-media [ at ] wildrockies.org
Mike Mease, Buffalo Field Campaign, 406-646-0070, mease [ at ] wildrockies.org

WEST YELLOWSTONE, MONTANA:
On Saturday, December 5 at 10pm EST, Discovery Channel's Planet Green will air Buffalo Battle, a one-hour television documentary on the plight of America's only continuously wild bison population and the work of Buffalo Field Campaign.

Buffalo Battle captures the ongoing war against wild bison and the conflict between bison advocates, government agencies and Montana's cattle industry as wild bison follow their seasonal migratory instincts from the high country of Yellowstone National Park into the state of Montana.  State and federal agencies - including Yellowstone National Park and the Montana Department of Livestock - spend millions of federal dollars to enforce Montana's intolerance for native bison.  Government agents have killed more than 3,600 wild bison since 2000.

"We are very excited for the opportunity to bring the buffalo's plight into the living rooms of so many Americans," said Mike Mease, Campaign Coordinator with Buffalo Field Campaign, "Buffalo Battle will allow viewers to experience the buffalo's mistreatment firsthand, learn about the forces behind the slaughter, and take part in efforts to protect the bison and their habitat."

Matthew Testa, creator of the award-winning 2001 documentary The Buffalo War, is the executive producer of Buffalo Battle.  Testa and his film crew spent weeks in the field with Buffalo Field Campaign, interviewing activists, government agencies, and local ranchers while witnessing first-hand the continuing struggle wild buffalo face on their native landscape.

"I'm fascinated and inspired by the dedication of Buffalo Field Campaign volunteers," said Matt Testa, executive producer of Buffalo Battle.  "BFC is a diverse group and everyone has a unique story about how they came to join the cause.  No matter where you stand on the buffalo issue, I think these volunteers show us that anyone can take a stand for what they believe in.  And when you add lots of action, a beautiful setting, and a controversial animal issue in our crown jewel National Park that many Americans don't know about, it makes for great television."

For thirteen years Buffalo Field Campaign volunteers have come from all over the nation and around the globe, withstanding one of the most inhospitable climates in the Lower 48 states to stand on the front lines in defense of wild bison.  Buffalo Field Campaign is a comprehensive source of news and information on the bison issue, documenting all actions made against wild bison and advocating for their right to roam.

Buffalo Field Campaign video footage and photographs were used in the production of Buffalo Battle.