'Save the Cowboy, Stop the APR!' What does this mean? Pt. 1

Editor’s note: This is the first part of an editorial discussing American Prairie Reserve’s stated goal of assembling private land in the Northern Great Plains north of the C.M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge that can be managed with public land to provide wildlife conservation, including re-introduction of bison, and public access.

We have all seen the colorful banners posted on roadsides, near ranch entries, and even in the windows of town businesses. A cowboy sits on horseback in front of a sunset with the words “Save the Cowboy, Stop the APR” emblazoned across the sky. Pictur...