Help Shape Alberta's Wood Bison Recovery Plan
Official title: Wood Bison Recovery Plan engagement
Alberta is developing a recovery plan for wood bison, which were listed as threatened in 2021. The province wants input on goals and strategies to protect disease-free herds while balancing environmental, social, and economic concerns. Public feedback on the draft plan opens in fall 2025.
Why This Matters
Live in northern Alberta? Wood bison roaming near farms and roads can cause conflicts with people. This plan will shape how the province manages these massive animals for decades. Indigenous communities have traditional ties to bison and are helping develop the plan.
What Could Change
New regulations could restrict development in wood bison habitat areas. The plan may establish population targets and disease management protocols. Landowners near bison ranges might see new rules about fencing or compensation for crop damage.
Key Issues
- How should Alberta protect disease-free wood bison populations while managing human-wildlife conflicts?
- What strategies should be used to support wood bison habitat in northern Alberta?
- How can the plan balance conservation goals with environmental, social, and economic impacts?
How to Participate
- Review the background documents to understand current threats to wood bison: Wood Bison Status Changes in Alberta, Managing disease risk in northern Alberta wood bison, and the Fact sheet on managing disease risk.
- Watch for the draft recovery plan to be released in fall 2025, when public feedback will be accepted.