In 1989, CNN's Ted Turner bought 113,613 acres of Montana ranchland and traded cattle for bison; the land is now home to bison, bears, and wolves

In 1989, CNN founder Ted Turner purchased 113,613 acres of Montana ranchland known as the Flying D Ranch. Initially, the property was home to cattle, but Turner traded the cattle for bison with the goal of restoring the native ecosystem. Today, the ranch is a thriving habitat for bison, bears, wolves, and other wildlife. A 2008 study published in Conservation Biology highlighted the importance of the Flying D, as it represents one example of private land owners working to address the decline in bison populations.

The bison herds on Turner's ranch were initially kept in free-roaming conditions, but state laws required fencing. At their peak, the bison herds numbered approximately 45,000 across several ranches owned by Turner. The Flying D is also situated along the Gallatin and Madison rivers, providing a diverse range of wildlife, including elk, deer, moose, wolves, black bears, and grizzlies.

Turner's decision to establish a conservation easement on the ranch has prevented development and helped preserve the land for wildlife. Private ranches are crucial in efforts to protect and restore native ecosystems, as they make up a significant portion of open space in the Western United States. While Turner's success with the Flying D is notable, it requires a collaborative effort to achieve broader goals, such as the recovery of large herds of bison across their historic range.

Despite some opposition, the Flying D remains a working ranch dedicated to bison and wildlife conservation.