Help Shape Alberta's Wood Bison Recovery Plan
Official title: Wood Bison Recovery Plan engagement
Wood bison were listed as threatened in Alberta in 2021 due to disease and human conflict. The government is developing a recovery plan to protect disease-free populations in northern Alberta. Right now, they're working with Indigenous communities. Public feedback on the draft plan opens in fall 2025.
Why This Matters
Live in northern Alberta near wood bison habitat? This plan could affect land use and development in your area. Indigenous communities have traditional ties to these animals. Even if you're not nearby, this is about whether Alberta can save a threatened species before it's too late.
What Could Change
A formal recovery plan will set goals and actions to grow disease-free bison populations. New rules could restrict development or activities in bison habitat areas. The Endangered Species Conservation Committee will recommend whether the Minister should approve the plan.
Key Issues
- What strategies should be used to protect disease-free wood bison populations?
- How can the plan balance conservation with environmental, social and economic impacts?
- What actions are needed to address disease and human-bison conflict?
How to Participate
- Review the background documents: 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.
- For questions, contact epa.outreach-services@gov.ab.ca.