An environmental assessment on Parks Canada’s $6.4 million plan to reintroduce bison into a remote area of Banff National Park is now out for public review.
The 194-page detailed environmental impact analysis was released on Thursday (Oct. 27) and is open for public comment until Nov. 30.
“It’s not a done deal by any stretch,” said Karsten Heuer, Parks Canada’s project manager for the bison reintroduction. “There’s lots of room for involvement and comments, so don’t be shy.”
Parks Canada is proposing a five-year pilot project to reintroduce a small herd of plains bison into a corner of their former range in the remote Panther and Dormer valleys of Banff National Park along the eastern slopes of the Rockies.
In February, the plan is to place 16 bison – 12 pregnant two-year-old females and four two-year-old bulls – from Elk Island National in an 18-hectare fenced soft-release pasture in the middle of a 12,000 square kilometre reintroduction zone.
The animals will be held within this pasture for 16 months, where they will be given water and supplementary food, such as hay.
Heuer said the idea behind this is to help the herd develop a strong bond with their new home.
“We’re not planning to bring them in crates and open them up and clap our hands and close our eyes tight,” he said. “We’re actually going to support them for a period of time to help them adjust and adapt to the new area before we truly open the gates.”
It is anticipated the cows would calve twice during the 16 months they are held in the fenced pasture, increasing the size of the herd to about 30 animals.
Once they are released from the fenced pasture, the bison will be kept in the larger reintroduction zone with approximately eight kilometres of adjustable wildlife fencing in 15 locations.
At that point, the bison will be closely monitored with GPS and radio collars. As necessary, Parks Canada would herd, haze, or bait the bison to help steer their movements to encourage them to develop an affinity for their new home range.
After five years, Parks Canada will assess whether to continue or abandon the project.
The assessment is available for review online at http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/banff/plan/gestion-management/bison.aspx.
Parks Canada asks all comments by submitted by email to [email protected] or by mail to Kendra VanDyk, Integrated Land Use, Policy and Planning, Parks Canada, 101 Mountain Avenue, P.O. Box 900, Banff, Alberta, T1L 1K2.
