Skip to content

Feds to fund bison reintroduction

The federal government will pour $6.4 million over five years into a program to restore plains bison in Banff National Park.
Federal funds will see make a return to Banff National Park.
Federal funds will see make a return to Banff National Park.

The federal government will pour $6.4 million over five years into a program to restore plains bison in Banff National Park.

On Friday (March 6), MP Blake Richards made the announcement on behalf of Minister of the Environment and minister responsible for Parks Canada Leona Aglukkaq at historic Banff Park Museum.

As part of Canada's National Conservation Plan (NCP), the project will see a small herd of plains bison reintroduced into Parks Canada's original park.

"Our government is taking action to protect our rich natural heritage for all Canadians now and in the future," said Richards. "Successfully restoring this keystone species in Banff will allow visitors, neighbours and the public at large to experience an authentic national park experience."

The NCP was launched by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in 2014 to advance conservation efforts across the country.

The funding, said Richards, "is an important investment for our government. Banff National Park is a very important part of this town's, the province's and Canada's tourism industry."

Richards pointed out that bison played a "significant role in the ecosystem as well as the lives and livelihood of indigenous people and pioneers alike. "We're going to bring bison back to what was once their home."

Banff Park Superintendent Dave McDonough said the announcement made for "an exciting day and a great day for Banff National Park."


Rocky Mountain Outlook

About the Author: Rocky Mountain Outlook

The Rocky Mountain Outlook is Bow Valley's No. 1 source for local news and events.
Read more



Comments

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks