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Overview
We gathered feedback from Albertans to help develop a wood bison recovery plan. This plan will outline goals, objectives, strategies and actions to support wood bison and their habitat in northern Alberta.
Wood bison face challenges due to disease and conflict with humans. In 2021, wood bison in some areas of the province were listed as threatened under the Wildlife Act.
The final plan will:
- support the long-term viability and growth of Alberta's disease-free populations of wood bison
- consider how to mitigate potential adverse environmental, social and economic impacts of its implementation
Get informed
Listing wood bison as threatened under the Wildlife Act was based on an assessment of Alberta’s wood bison risk of extinction, using International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) species risk assessment criteria. The threatened status triggered the need for a wood bison recovery plan.
Learn more about current threats to Alberta’s wood bison and their habitat:
- Wood Bison Status Changes in Alberta
- Managing disease risk in northern Alberta wood bison - outside of Wood Buffalo National Park : progress report
- Wood bison disease management: Supporting disease-free populations of wood bison in Northern Alberta
Input received
Online survey
Albertans shared feedback on the draft plan through an online survey between March 11 and April 9, 2026.
Indigenous engagement
We worked with representatives of Indigenous communities and organizations through a series of committees organized around the Hay-Zama/Etthithun and Wabasca wood bison populations in northern Alberta to create a draft recovery plan.
Indigenous engagement related to the Ronald Lake population was primarily through the Ronald Lake Buffalo Herd Cooperative Management Board, who are concurrently developing a management plan for the Ronald Lake population.
Content from this draft Ronald Lake management plan guided development of applicable sections of this draft recovery plan. We continue to work directly with Indigenous communities and organizations to gather their perspectives.
Stakeholder engagement
Local stakeholders contributed feedback to inform the development of the draft plan. Further input on the draft was provided by stakeholders and will be considered as the final plan is prepared.
Outcomes
Input will be considered in the final Wood Bison Recovery Plan. The Endangered Species Conservation Committee will review the final plan and provide recommendations to the Minister of Environment and Protected Areas regarding approval and implementation of the plan.
Contact
Connect with Alberta's Species at Risk team:
Email: [email protected]