More than 450,000 acres of land purchased by a billionaire-funded conservation organization

 The American Prairie (AP) is attempting to form the largest nature park in the U.S. by buying up massive amounts of land in Montana. The group states that its mission is to create "a refuge for people and wildlife preserved forever as part of America's heritage."

AP has successfully purchased over 450,000 acres since 2004 but aims to acquire 3.2 million for its American Prairie Reserve project. When completed, the park will be roughly the size of Connecticut and 25% larger than Yellowstone.

The Montana acreage primarily consists of land once used for farming and grazing. The region's economy heavily depends on its $4.72 billion agricultural industry, and ranchers are concerned that the group will buy up too much privately-owned land and sabotage production.

With the help of billionaire donors, AP has raised tens of millions of dollars since its inception. Its donors include well-known financiers and retail moguls.

...Geddes stated AP selected the area because of its decreasing population, saying that "perhaps there's greater potential for less conflict over conservation in this part of the world."

United Property Owners of Montana (UPOM) is made up of local ranchers who are against the plan set in motion by AP. UPOM's policy director, Chuck Denowh, explained that the donors helping purchase the land are concerned only about having a tax-deductible charitable donation and not the consequences on agricultural production.

Denowh expressed concern about where the donations are coming from and that "for the future of food security of this country, we need to take a close look at that."

AP originally made headlines over its bison grazing plan in Montana. Recently, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) decided to grant AP its request to have bison roam on 60,000 acres previously reserved for cattle grazing...MORE

So you think you are not a target?

...AP selected the area because of its decreasing population, saying that "perhaps there's greater potential for less conflict over conservation in this part of the world."

Fewer people means less blow back on the politicians who support this.

Also note this admits there is a confict between people and conservation. Yet when the feds acquire lands, they claim to do so to allow public access to the area, when in fact they do just the opposite.  They exclude people. all in the name of conservation.