FEATURE - Bison Belong in Banff National Park

The bison is one of the world's iconic species that enjoys a history rich in archeology, paleontology, story, legend, and oral and documentary history.

In 2010, Parks Canada Banff National Park Management Plan highlight a specific goal dedicated to wild bison. "Reintroducing a breeding population of the extirpated plains bison, a keystone species that have been absent from the park since its establishment (...)" under the section for Species at Risk, article 5.3.3.17 p.38.

This is not new, but together we can make it happen. Here is the story...

• In 1996, Banff Bow Valley study recognizes that the fence around the Buffalo Paddock combined with the other recent developments in and around the Town of Banff formed a serious impediment to the movement of non-captive wildlife in the Banff Bow Valley.
  
  
• In 1997, Banff National Park Management Plan provided that the Buffalo Paddock fence and captive herd be removed but also stated that release of wild bison into the Park should be studied.
  
  
• In 2000, Canada National Parks Act calls for the restoration of ecological integrity which includes native species and processes like grazing by bison.
  
  
• In 2009, Banff Park Management Plan review draft contemplated re-establishment of a wild buffalo herd in Banff National Park.
  
  
• In 2010, the new Banff Park Management Plan calls for the reintroduction of a breeding population!

13 years later, Wild bison can return to roaming a landscape they lived in for thousands of years. Be part of its future. Let's bring the Plains Bison (Buffalo) back to Banff National Park. Let you voice heard for the herd at bisonbelong.ca.