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Brainstorming the future of bison, a new group is forming in Bozeman to discuss ways of moving forward with the embattled animal.

About 50 people gathered for the first meeting of the Yellowstone Bison Citizens Working Group. Varied opinions filled the room. Ranchers and hunters were sitting next to staunch bison advocates and those just interested in the process.

Facilitator Virginia Tribe said the group will make decisions through full consensus, not moving forward until all sides feel their interests have been sufficiently met. She said with a difficult issue like bison management, majority rule just does not work.

"Any one time on any issue, we can somehow gin up a majority, even if it's a tiny one, but it doesn't solve the issue because the minority that still pretty big, just keeps rattling around," Tribe said.

She said the group will not have any real political power, but showing consensus recommendations made by such a diverse group will likely influence those making the decisions.

The Interagency Bison Management Plan supports the new working group. Gov. Brian Schweitzer blocked the shipment of some bison to slaughter last week. These animals had wandered outside of Yellowstone Park boundaries looking for food. Schweitzer said he is worried they could spread the disease brucellosis to cattle. He said he wanted the decision to send a message that a new approach is needed in managing bison.