Improvements Continue On Fort Peck Buffalo Trail
Improvements continue to be made to attract tourists to the buffalo trail on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation located north of Poplar.
During 2024, the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes were the recipients of a four-year, $5 million grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The grant was awarded by the America the Beautiful Challenge program.
The results of the grant will include increasing the buffalo herd, expanding the area, and number of employees for the Fort Peck Turtle Mound Buffalo Ranch and related project activities.
Extension of the buffalo trail could increase in distance from .6 miles to possibly 11 miles. Other plans include the addition of story poles, additional wildlife-friendly fencing, increased eco-tourism capacities and developing and promoting educational youth programs. The team to develop lessons for area students is being led by Suzanne Turnbull, under contract with FPCC, alongside numerous partners from FPCC, MSU, Defenders of Wildlife, Ecology Project International and other organizations. With guidance from scientists, tribal leaders and range field technicians, field trip groups will engage in citizen science learning.
The grassroots Pté group’s goal is to engage Fort Peck tribal members in community building initiatives intended to rejuvenate ongoing and life giving connections with their buffalo relatives. Kai Teague was selected by the Tribes to serve as program manager for the grant.
They will be instrumental in all developmental and communications activities.
The group’s premise is that as the bison prosper so will all people who connect with them for learning, spiritual development, physical and mental health and well-being. Turnbull, member and co-leader of the Pté group, said there is excitement about the future planned initiatives. Members of the Pté group have worked hard to prepare an ecolodge. Montana State University’s Dr. Dan Atwater brought about 15 students to the buffalo ranches for more than two days for rangeland assessment activities last June. They, and a separate group that included trail architect Mike Everts from MSU, were the first to stay at the existing facility. Architecture students will work with the Pté Group and Jonny Lee Bearcub Stiffarm’s leadership over the coming years to design and hopefully fund a more permanent, comfortable and eco-friendly structure.
Officials say a goal is to increase eco-tourism capacity and value of the buffalo connections trail and eco-lodge. This project will establish hunter, tourist and classroom field trip activities on the ranch. munity of employees taking care of their own,” Steiner said. “We know people, that’s a competitive edge. I’ve very impressed with this group.”
He said the 200 employees ranges from physicians to nurses to housekeepers. He stressed the importance of housekeeping in a hospital setting in order to prevent the spread of germs. “Our housekeeping is as important as anyone. They do a phenomenal job.”
Steiner comes to northeastern Montana after serving in a similar position in a small Alaskan town with a population of 800 people. After performing his residency in Mobile, Ala., for 11 years, his other stops have included Delaware, Georgia and Mississippi.
When he isn’t on the job, one of his hobbies is shooting skeet. “When you do what you enjoy, it’s not work,” Steiner said, while explaining that he spends a large amount of time on the job. He adds that he really likes socializing and describes himself as an extrovert. He’s hoping to stay in Wolf Point for a long period of time. “I have no desire to go anywhere else,” he noted.
He feels one of his strengths is the ability to teach and mentor others.
One of the changes occurring at NEMHS is new electronic medical records. The new system is scheduled to go live at the end of March or beginning of April. Steiner said the change will allow staff to practice their art better.
He explains that the governing board of directors sets the tone for the facility, and he feels that NEMHS has an excellent one. He adds that outside auditors and firms it’s an economic viable operation.
“I feel very appreciated here,” Steiner said. “The board cares. They don’t want the place to fail.”
He also speaks highly of the Northeast Montana Health Services Charitable Foundation.
“Like the board of directors, this group of community leaders give unselfishly of their time and talent to provide resources to NEMHS,” Steiner said. “Their service is invaluable to our staff and community.”
