RE-BISONING THE WEST
by Kurt Repanshek
September 2019 | Nonfiction | 978-1-9372-26-985 | 200 pp | $18.95
​
KURT REPANSHEK is an award-winning journalist well versed in public lands, wildlife, recreation, environmental, and development issues. After graduating from West Virginia University in 1979, he was hired in 1980 by The Associated Press, initially as a temporary legislative relief staffer, but offered a full-time job late that same year. In 1988, when wildfires swept across Yellowstone National Park and captured the world’s attention, he directed and provided coverage of the fires for The Associated Press. He has a diverse journalistic background, having written about the rich biodiversity that lies within Great Smoky Mountains National Park and launched National Parks Traveler, the world’s top-rated editorially independent website dedicated to daily news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kurt Repanshek traces the history of bison from their near extinction to present-day efforts to bring them back to the landscape—and the biological, political, and cultural hurdles confronting these efforts. Repanshek explores Native Americans’ relationships with bison and presents a forward-thinking approach to returning bison to the West and improving the health of ecosystems.
PRAISE FOR RE-BISONING THE WEST
​
“Impressively informative and exceptionally well written."
—MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
​
“A much-needed look at the exceptionally fraught relationship between bison and people . . . engaging and comprehensive.”
—BOOKLIST
​
“A fascinating perspective . . . Re-Bisoning the West demonstrates the complex relationships the species maintains with the earth and humanity itself.”
—FOREWORD REVIEWS
​
"A fast-paced and readable look at the recent history and immediate future of bison in the American landscape. Recommended for those interested in conservation efforts, especially in the American West."
—LIBRARY JOURNAL
“Repanshek paints evocative scenes . . . he describes efforts to protect the last remnants of bison, and addresses their conservation status today.”
—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
​
"Repanshek’s spirited writing finely focuses the eye on just how controversial, complicated and contentious the efforts have been to reclaim a species that once was given up for extinction."
—THE UTAH REVIEW
​
“Kurt Repanshek eloquently lays out the case for how we might bring bison back in sufficient numbers to restore vibrant life on the land. Deep knowledge and cool-headed reasoning inform a narrative for redressing historical wrongs and helping to ensure a palatable way forward.”
—MARY ELLEN HANNIBAL, author of Citizen Scientist
​
"An interesting and thought-provoking presentation of America's animal—the bison.”
—JESSICA HAHL, Country Bookshelf
​
“Fascinating… essential reading for those concerned about the future of our historic landscapes and wildlife, and more essential for those who aren't.”
—CHRIS LA TRAY, Fact & Fiction Bookstore
Bronze, 2019 Foreword INDIE Book Award, Ecology & Environment