Wood Bison News

Drawing by Wes Olson Issue Number 4, Winter 2008-09 Wood Bison Imported From Canada!

Last June Alaska’s Alaska Natives as recently as a wood bison restoration effort few hundred years ago. It is not moved closer to the goal of often that we have an opportu- reestablishing wild popula- nity to restore an indigenous tions when 53 young wood species to large expanses of bison were transported by high quality habitat in its origi- truck from Elk Island Na- nal range. There is a lot of work tional Park (EINP) near Ed- left to do, but we are now a big monton over 2,000 miles and step closer to seeing wood bi- released at their temporary son, one Athabascan name for home at the Alaska Wildlife which translates as “big, hefty Conservation Center one on the land,” roaming free (AWCC). This was the culmi- again in interior Alaska. nation of several months of planning and preparation in- Wood bison from Elk Island National Park in Canada arrived at volving various state, provin- their temporary new home at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Inside this issue: cial and federal agencies and Center on June 19, 2008. organizations in the U.S. and Results of Public 2 Canada. a smooth ride, even over rough On arrival at AWCC sections of the Alaska High- Bob Gerlach, the Alaska State Comment on the The bison were sepa- Environmental Review rated from a herd of about way. EINP Conservation Bi- Veterinarian, and Mike Philo ologist Norm Cool and chief the USDA veterinarian for 350 animals last January and Wood Bison 3 held in a quarantine facility as bison handler Archie Handel, Alaska, checked the identifi- as well as Bruce Chisholm cation of each animal before Ceremony Held at we arranged to obtain the AWCC remaining import and export with the Canadian Food In- the bison bounded quickly out spection Agency accompanied of the trailers and into their permits. Initially the plan had International Coopera- 4 the two trucks on their non- new pasture. Unfortunately, been to conduct the import in tion on Wood Bison March, during cool weather stop, two day trip to AWCC. one of the bulls was injured conditions. However, the final The bison traveled well, and by another bison during the Safari Club Support 5 import permit required by the were given water at Watson transport and died a few days U.S. Department of Agricul- Lake and in Tok, where the after arrival. All things con- Endangered Species 6 ture (USDA) could not be volunteer fire department pro- sidered, the transport of wood Act Update issued until early June. EINP vided a pump truck to quickly bison from Canada to Alaska First Alaska Wood 7 staff was concerned about fill the numerous water went very well and the 52 transporting the bison in hot troughs. bison have settled in and are Bison Round-Up summer weather, but fortu- doing fine at their new home nately it was cloudy and cool at AWCC. during most of the trip from The successful trans- Edmonton to Portage. Parks port is an important milestone Canada staff separated the in the restoration effort, which bison into groups of animals had its beginnings in the early of similar size, and Pat Hoff- 1990s, when Athabascan eld- man Trucking provided two ers in the Fort Yukon area trailers equipped with air shared historical accounts Tok Fire Department volunteer describing how bison were an shocks, which gave the bison Bryan Thompson helps Bruce Wood bison bull in the transport Chisholm water the bison. important resource for interior trailer. Page 2 Wood Bison News Public Comment Shows Strong Support for Wood Bison Restoration by Randy Rogers, Wildlife Planner

In April 2007 the report “Wood Alaska as a significant wildlife conserva- Bison Restoration in Alaska: A Review of Over 90% of the comments tion initiative. The Alaska Outdoor Coun- Environmental and Regulatory Issues and received expressed support cil stated “The concept of restoring wood Proposed Decisions for Project Imple- for the effort to restore bison to their former range is a conserva- mentation” (Environmental Review or tion goal of the highest order in terms of “ER”) was released for public review and wood bison in Alaska. ecosystem and human values.” comment. A 12 page summary of the ER Many people submitted comments and a public comment response form emphasizing the importance of both local were included in the spring 2007 issue of bison restoration are the Yukon Flats, and non-local hunters having opportunities the Wood Bison News. The Alaska De- Minto Flats and the lower Innoko–Yukon to share in future harvest of wood bison. partment of Fish and Game (ADF&G) River area. ADF&G concluded that all Some comments opposed establishing a accepted comments on the ER through three sites are suitable for wood bison subsistence priority for use of wood bison. September 30, 2007 and received nearly restoration. The Department proposed to Several also acknowledged that local resi- 100 written responses. In addition, the proceed with efforts to restore wood bison dents have some proprietary interest in the ER was discussed at several state fish and in Alaska and initiate site-specific plan- use of local resources, and that there does game advisory committee meetings and ning efforts for both the Yukon Flats and need to be mechanisms to ensure that local presentations to other organizations were Minto Flats locations, while also increas- residents have adequate opportunities to provided on request. Over 90% of the ing efforts to discuss possible wood bison harvest wood bison. Several comments comments on the ER expressed support restoration in the lower Innoko–Yukon from local residents highlighted the impor- for ADF&G’s efforts to restore wood River area. tance of having opportunities to benefit bison in Alaska. Numerous comments indicated a from the harvest of wood bison near local In the Environmental Review belief that wood bison restoration is an villages, and the need to protect wood bi- ADF&G concluded that wood bison res- important wildlife conservation initiative son from illegal harvest, especially while toration in Alaska can be accomplished and that it will enhance Alaska’s natural the herds are growing. with minimal or no negative environ- and cultural heritage and ecosystem bio- ADF&G remains committed to mental impacts, and that wood bison res- diversity. Several international wildlife ensuring that the benefits of wood bison toration can enhance the diversity of conservation organizations including Sa- restoration are shared among local and Alaska’s wildlife resources and could fari Club International, Wildlife Conser- non-local residents of Alaska and others. provide significant benefits to people. The vation Society (WCS) and World Wildlife Future harvest management will be an im- three sites evaluated for possible wood Fund endorsed wood bison restoration in portant topic during site-specific planning efforts in which both local and non-local interests will be involved. Several respondents agreed that predation should not be a significant threat to wood bison restoration in Alaska, while others expressed concern that wolf predation on wood bison could be significant and limit success of the restoration effort. Based on experience in Canada, ADF&G continues to believe that predator control is not likely to be required to ensure that wood bison restoration is successful. Several comments addressed the status of wood bison under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Most of these comments emphasized the need for ADF&G to continue to work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and others to ensure that any risk of wood bison restoration interfering with other resource devel- opment is minimized. (Continued on page 3) Issue 4, Winter 2008 Page 3

ting wood bison on state lands at Minto wood bison restoration on Minto Flats where implementation costs would Flats. be lower because of road access and ♦ Availability of road access to Minto which is largely under the control of state Flats will help to reduce logistical land managers and the Alaska Board of complications and costs. Game. ♦ Because there is little to no federal land in the Minto Flats area the Based on public comment Alaska Board of Game will have responsibility for decisions about sub- and other considerations, sistence use and future harvest alloca- Minto Flats will be the tion. While the above factors are rea- first priority for wood sons to initially work towards establishing bison planning and wood bison on Minto Flats, the size of the area limits the potential size of the herd to restoration. about 500 animals. Habitat assessments indicate that Yukon Flats can easily support a herd of 2,000 or more bison, and Some of the reasons for restoring ADF&G remains committed to the objec- wood bison on the Minto Flats first in- tive of reestablishing one or more larger clude: Wood bison cow and calf at AWCC. herds of wood bison to help maintain the ♦ The majority of lands in the Minto Photo by Doug Lindstrand genetic diversity of the subspecies and Flats area are within the Minto Flats provide additional hunting and viewing State Game Refuge, which was es- (Continued from page 2) opportunities. tablished to ensure protection and The Yukon Flats and Grayling- enhancement of habitat, conserva- Most comments received agreed Anvik-Shageluk-Holy Cross Advisory tion of fish and wildlife, and con- with the ADF&G proposed action to start Committees have passed resolutions of tinuation of hunting, fishing, trap- site-specific planning on both Yukon support for wood bison restoration on the ping and other compatible uses. Flats and Minto Flats, and continue dis- Yukon Flats and in the lower Innoko/ cussing possible wood bison restoration ♦ The Minto-Nenana, Tanana-Manley- Yukon River area. The Department hopes with residents of the lower Innoko/Yukon Rampart and Fairbanks State Fish to proceed with wood bison restoration in River area. There were a significant num- and Game Advisory Committees one or both areas at the earliest opportu- ber of comments that recommended put- (AC) have all expressed support for nity. Wood Bison Celebration Held at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center by Cathie Harms, Master of Ceremonies On July 8 nearly 100 people Turnigan Arm and the Chugach Moun- intendent Marilyn Peckett highlighted the attended a welcoming ceremony at the tains between two of AWCCs’ wood bi- international cooperation involved. John Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center son pastures. Teck Cominco Alaska gen- Morrison of the Alaska chapter of Safari (AWCC) in Portage for the wood bison erously sponsored the event. Karl Hanne- Club and Bill Moritz of the Safari Club that arrived at the facility in late June. man, the company’s Manager for Public International Foundation pledged continu- AWCC Board of Director’s President and Environmental Affairs noted how it is ing assistance for the project. Kaush Arha, Chris Von Imhoff and Executive Director fitting that a company with mining inter- (Continued on page 5) Mike Miller welcomed representatives ests in both Canada and Alaska would from conservation organizations, state support the international wood bison res- and federal agencies, Native groups and toration project. the government of Canada. Mike noted ADF&G Commissioner Denby that he is honored to have the opportunity Lloyd called wood bison restoration in to be involved in the effort to restore a Alaska “one of the most significant con- species back to its former range in servation initiatives in decades,” and Alaska. thanked Elk Island National Park in Al- The ceremony was held in a field berta for their support and cooperation. of lupine on a point of land overlooking AWCC Executive Director Mike Miller speaking Elk Island National Park Super- at the wood bison welcoming ceremony. Page 4 Wood Bison News Elk Island National Park of Canada: A Proud Partner in Alaska’ Wood Bison Restoration Project By Marilyn Peckett, Superintendent Elk Island National Park

It was my great pleasure to be This is a fine example present for the wood bison celebration at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center of international last July. It was an exciting day for Alaska and an exciting day for Canada. cooperation for the The United States and Canada have so much in common. Shared histories; shared experiences; and shared successes. protection and recovery The wood bison restoration project is one of those shared successes as we get one of a species at risk. stop closer to the reintroduction of wood bison to Alaska. We officially welcomed 53 wood bison from Elk Island National Park In addition, we have assisted of Canada to the Alaska Wildlife Conser- Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina vation Center. Historically, hundreds of in the United States to re-establish viable Marilyn Peckett, Superintendent. Elk Island thousands of bison roamed in North elk populations. Since 1967, Elk Island National Park, Canada. th America. In the early part of the 20 cen- has provided disease-free bison for re- This is a fine example of interna- tury, the numbers of wood bison dwin- introduction throughout North America – tional cooperation for the protection and dled to a few hundred. and in 2006, we transferred 30 wood bi- recovery of a species at risk. The great In 1978, the Committee on the son to the Republic of Sahka of the Rus- State of Alaska, Parks Canada, and Can- Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada sian Federation. And now we can add ada’s Wood Bison Recovery team have initially assessed wood bison as endan- Alaska. been working on this international conser- gered. This status was improved to threat- The transfer of wood bison from vation project for over ten years with the ened in 1988, thanks to successful recov- Elk Island to Alaska is a major milestone assistance of other supporting departments ery actions under the Canada National in the Alaskan wood bison restoration in the United States and the Canadian Food Wood Bison Recovery Program. project. The bison transfer is also an im- Inspection Agency. Through the efforts of that pro- portant part of Canada’s plan to ensure I would like to acknowledge the gram, there are currently in excess of that several disease-free herds exist, not dedication and contribution that all parties 4,000 wood bison in Canada. Canada is only in Canada, but also in other parts of have made in order for this project to move committed to the recovery of species at their historic range. forward. We should all be proud of our risk – such as the wood bison – not just in efforts. our country, but throughout its historic range. Established as Canada’s first wildlife sanctuary in As the Superintendent for Elk 1906, then declared a national park in 1913, Elk Island National Park, I am particularly Island is Canada’s only entirely-fenced national park. Located less than an hour away from Edmon- proud of our contribution to the recovery ton, Elk Island National Park protects the wilder- of species. Elk Island, located near Ed- ness of the aspen parkland, one of the most endangered habitats in Canada. This beautiful oasis is monton in Alberta, has a long and suc- home to herds of free roaming plains bison, wood cessful history of relocating disease-free bison, moose, deer, and elk. Also boasting over 250 species of birds, the park is a bird watcher’s ungulates. paradise. Dating as far back as 1937, Elk Island’s herd of elk has been used as a source herd for re-establishing elk popu- lation throughout North America. Over the years, more than four thousand elk have been relocated in Canada in such places as Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Yukon. Issue 4, Winter 2008 Page 5 come, and thanked the many coop- (Continued from page 3) knowledged that Alaska’s wood bison restoration project is par- erators and collaborators. Both Deputy Assistant Secretary for ticularly significant because Commissioner Lloyd and Larsen Fish, Wildlife and Parks, U.S. there are few other places where specifically thanked Bob Stephen- Department of Interior, also en- the large-scale restoration of son for conceiving the concept, dorsed restoring wood bison in bison will be possible. He con- working with Athabascan elders to Alaska. gratulated Alaska on moving document the presence and use of toward the ecological restoration bison, and continuing efforts to re- Congratulatory remarks of North American bison, and store the species in Alaska over the from Ted Turner of the Turner concluded by saying, “We salute past 15 years. They also recognized Foundation and the Turner En- the teamwork of Bob, Randy you and we salute wood bison as Arnold Hamilton from dangered Species Fund were Rogers, David James and others they make a major step in return- the village of Shageluk read. Remarks contributed by ing home to Alaska.” which has enabled the Department Kent H. Redford of the Wildlife voices his support at to achieve significant progress in the wood bison Conservation Society and DWC Director Doug recent years. ceremony. American Bison Society ac- Larsen focused on how far we’ve Safari Club Provides Key Support for the Wood Bison Project By John Morrison (adapted from comments made at the wood bison welcoming ceremony)

The Safari Club International ♦ Purchasing the squeeze chute and (SCI) and its Foundation have actively much of the handling facility at supported the Alaska wood bison restora- AWCC. tion project for many years. The Kenai ♦ Constructing a new hay barn at AWCC Peninsula and Alaska chapters of SCI for storing food for wood bison and have also been closely involved. SCI has other animals. provided both political and financial support. ♦ Purchasing hay SCI became interested in sup- ♦ Purchasing a stock trailer for moving porting the project when we first heard wood bison and supplies and equip- about it in the mid 1990’s. Soon afterward ment. we learned of the importance of the ♦ Helping to produce interpretive signs Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in posted at the various enclosures at AWCC to inform visitors about wood its role for holding the bison and we saw John Morrison speaking on behalf of the bison and other animals. the need to actively support the effort and Alaska and Kenai Chapters of SCI at the wood take some responsibility. bison welcoming ceremony. Future possibilities for additional Bob Stephenson and Mike Miller chapter support include: ♦ Providing funds for both the release of deserve credit for their determined efforts, ♦ The value of broadening the distribu- the animals and AWCC needs. patience and leadership in getting the tion of the wood bison and its genetic project to success. Former SCI officer J. base to help insure its survival in North ♦ Participating in planning with land Y. Jones and I encouraged top officials in America. owners and managers, and other public interest groups to develop recommen- the Department of Interior in Washington, ♦ Provide the opportunity for research in dations to ADF&G for the manage- D.C. to expedite advancement of the pro- the field and support the management ment of the free-ranging populations ject. of wood bison at AWCC. of wood bison The chapter's commitment to ♦ Give the public an opportunity to enjoy ♦ Once herds have grown sufficiently, support the project has not been based seeing the bison and learn about them. support the harvest of animals under solely on the value of establishing another Our foundation and chapters' sustained yield principles, and with a species to hunt. We already have three support has included about one hundred system that allocates harvest fairly populations of plains bison that provide thousand dollars obtained in our annual among local and other resident hunters hunting by permits. We have been moti- fund-raising programs and provided as well as nonresidents. vated by: mainly for these activities: ♦ Supporting viewing and educational ♦ Appreciation of the opportunity to re- ♦ Providing funding to the ADF&G to programs associated with free-ranging establish a native species and restore a contract with an environmental con- wood bison populations. valuable member of the state's indige- sultant to help with the necessary envi- nous fauna. ronmental review and analysis. Page 6 Wood Bison News Congratulations Everyone! By David James, ADF&G Regional Supervisor

It took many, many years for the great deal of wood bison project to accomplish the all- time and ef- important first step: Import wood bison fort to de- into Alaska in preparation for release into velop that Randy Rogers, Dr. Bob Gerlach, Bob the wild. Seems obvious, huh? Should be support. However, without it there is no simple enough you might think? Guess Stephenson and David James celebrate the doubt in my mind we would have failed arrival of wood bison from Canada. again. to get this far. There were times during Close to 15 years were required the past decade and a half when the pro- th Your continued support will be to reach this first step. On June 19 , 53 ject was “half a bison hair” from being necessary in the coming years as we wood bison bolted out of the livestock stopped. It is only through the growing develop specific site release plans and, in vans in which they had spent the previous and unflinching support of many organi- the interim, shepherd the captive wood 50 hours into an enclosed area at the zations, agencies, and members of the bison through the quarantine period. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center at public that we now have wood bison Portage, Alaska. Finally, the wood bison stock to use in restoring these animals in The ultimate reward for your project was REAL! the wildlands of Alaska. support will be a living, wildlife Although there are many more The essence of my message is a legacy that future generations of hurdles to clear before the most important simple “thank you.” There are too many Alaskans and others will look back goal is reached – releasing the wood bi- individuals and organizations for me to son into the wild – just getting them into on with gratitude to those who name them in this short piece. But, as fought and worked so hard to make Alaska was an event worth celebrating. they say, you know who you are. Each th And celebrate we did on July 8 ; it was a and every contribution in time, money, or happen. fun and memorable event! moral support was absolutely critical for Many years ago we realized that the all-important first step of getting Many of the primary wood bison project the wood bison project would not succeed wood bison from Canada to Alaska. contributors and supporters are listed on the without broad public support. It took a back cover of this newsletter. Status of Wood Bison Under the Endangered Species Act Revised By Bob Stephenson

As was explained in the wood had been public opposition to proposed and developments and allow regulated bison Environmental Review, the U.S. reintroductions of endangered species due harvests at the appropriate time in the fu- Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) made a to concerns about restrictions on other ture. While this change in the status of determination in 2003 that although wood land uses and activities, in 1982 Congress wood bison under the ESA adds to the bison are listed as “endangered in Can- added a provision to the ESA to designate complexity of the project, in the long run ada” under the Endangered Species Act specific reintroduced populations of en- this approach will prevent legal challenges (ESA), wood bison brought into Alaska dangered species as “nonessential experi- that could be more disruptive to the pro- would not need to be listed as endan- mental populations” (NEPs). This is the ject and other land uses. gered. In December 2007, during the provision of the ESA has been used for process of reviewing ADF&G’s applica- the reintroduction of wolves into Yellow- tion for an import permit, the FWS re- stone National Park, black-footed ferrets, vised this determination. A November condors and other species. Under an NEP 2008 letter from the Director of the FWS designation regulatory restrictions can be states, “The wood bison is listed as en- considerably reduced to make the reintro- dangered wherever found and, as such, duction more compatible with other land would retain its endangered status if intro- uses. duced into the United States.” In this let- ADF&G is working with FWS ter the FWS also expressed support for to designate wood bison in Alaska as an the state’s effort to reestablish free- NEP. This will help ensure conservation ranging wood bison in Alaska. of wood bison, minimize the potential for Because at times in the past there regulatory conflicts with other land uses Graphic by Teal Rogers Issue 4, Winter 2008 Page 7 USDA Risk Assessment and Disease Testing Update The USDA Risk Assessment By Randy Rogers concluded there is greater than 99.99% confidence that the wood As noted in the last issue of the importing domestic livestock than wild Wood Bison News, for the last several animals. In March 2008 the USDA deter- bison from Elk Island National years U.S. Department of Agriculture mined that a Risk Assessment (RA) Park do not have TB or (USDA) regulations had prohibited all would need to be completed. Dr. Bob brucellosis. imports of bovines (cattle and bison) into Gerlach, the Alaska State Veterinarian, the U.S. from Canada because of con- worked closely with USDA staff to dis- were individually inspected by Dr. Bill cerns about mad cow disease. In Novem- cuss disease testing procedures and ap- Samuel from the University of Alberta to ber 2007 the USDA adopted new regula- proaches that might be used to expedite ensure that no winter ticks were present. tions to once again allow bison imports the import permit. The wood bison will be main- and ADF&G submitted an application for Through an effort led by Dr. tained in a double-fenced enclosure at a USDA import permit for wood bison Freeda Isaac the USDA completed the AWCC for about two years, where addi- soon thereafter. Because the Elk Island RA in less than three months and the im- tional tests, including at least two more TB National Park (EINP) wood bison herd port permit was issued in June 2008. The and brucellosis tests, will be done before has been free of bovine tuberculosis (TB) USDA Risk Assessment concluded there bison are released in the wild. This and brucellosis for over 30 years and the is greater than 99.99 percent confidence fall ADF&G Regional Supervisor David wood bison to be imported to Alaska that the wood bison herd at EINP is free James established a Wood Bison Quaran- would be tested at least twice for TB and of TB and brucellosis. tine and Disease Testing Working Group brucellosis before import, ADF&G antici- In addition, all the wood bison to coordinate bison management and dis- pated little delay in obtaining the USDA that were imported to Alaska, were tested ease testing protocols at AWCC. The permit. The situation didn’t turn out to be for TB, brucellosis, respiratory viruses group includes Dr. Gerlach, ADF&G quite that simple. and other diseases and showed no sign of Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Kimberlee Beck- To make a long story short, problems. They were also treated twice men, Mike Miller, Director of AWCC, Bob USDA regulations are designed more for with medicine to eliminate parasites and Stephenson and Randy Rogers.

Wood Bison Round-Up! draulically controlled squeeze chute, where it was restrained so it could be handled. by Bob Stephenson The squeeze chute and metal holding cor- On November 4 and 5 about 18 rals were donated by Safari Club Interna- people participated in a successful effort tional several years ago to help prepare for to move 32 wood bison through the re- Alaska's wood bison restoration effort. cently completed bison handling facility AWCC then assembled the equipment and at AWCC. The handling involved built a circular holding corral and an alley the bison transferred to AWCC in 2003 as way to complete the facility. It was heart- well as their offspring. The goal of the ening to see the system work so well dur- handling was to replace missing ear tags Bison groups were separated in the chutes. ing the first attempt at handling bison. and obtain blood, hair and fecal samples for disease monitoring purposes and ge- The round-up was a success due netic analysis. Archie Handel, Chief to the efforts of the two experienced bison Warder from EINP and Dr. Todd Shury, a handlers from Parks Canada, biologists veterinarian with Parks Canada travelled and veterinarians from the Alaska Depart- to Alaska to assist with this first round- ment of Fish and Game and Office of the up. Alaska State Veterinarian, volunteers from the UAF student chapter of The Wildlife Society and several members of the AWCC staff, as well as some cooperation from the bison. The bison were accustomed to entering the circular corral to feed, and had walked through the system of corrals The squeeze chute held the bison safely in and chutes in the past, but this time they place for their check-ups! were separated into smaller and smaller Thank you to all the staff and groups until each bison could be moved volunteers who made the first bison Bison wranglers split the herd into smaller through a series of chutes ending in a hy- round-up a success! groups for handling. Wood Bison Restoration Project Alaska Department of Fish and Game Division of Wildlife Conservation 1300 College Road Fairbanks, AK 99701-1599

For further information contact:

Bob Stephenson, Wood Bison Project Biologist Phone: 459-7236 [email protected]

-OR-

Randy Rogers, Wildlife Planner Phone: 459-7335 [email protected] Fax: (907) 459-7332

ADF&G gives thanks to the many wood bison project supporters!

♦ Alaska Outdoor Council Special thanks to: ♦ Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments ♦ Wildlife Conservation Society ♦ The Turner Foundation for providing the essential grant ♦ American Bison Society that enabled ADF&G to acquire wood bison from Elk ♦ Deloycheet, Inc. Island National Park, transport them to Alaska and more. ♦ World Wildlife Fund ♦ Safari Club International and the Alaska and Kenai Chap- ♦ Pope & Young Club ♦ World Conservation Union ters of SCI for extensive support (see article on p. 5). ♦ University of Alaska-Fairbanks ♦ The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center for its partner- ♦ Teck Cominco Alaska ship in the project and dedication to quality care of the ♦ Home Depot wood bison. ♦ GCI ♦ Chugach National Forest ♦ Carlile Transportation Systems Many of the ♦ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service contributions from ♦ Natural Resource Conservation Service private organizations ♦ Anchorage Soil and Water Conservation District and non-federal ♦ Canada’s Wood Bison Recovery Team agencies have been ♦ Parks Canada/Elk Island National Park used to receive ♦ Canadian Wildlife Service matching federal ♦ Canadian Food Inspection Agency funds through the In two of the most recent donations to the wood ♦ U.S. Department of Agriculture State Wildlife Grant bison project the UAF School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences gave a discounted rate ♦ Office of the Alaska State Veterinarian program. This has on bales of hay and Carlile Transportation ♦ Alaska Board of Game effectively doubled the donated the cost of trucking the hay from Palmer ♦ Fish and Game Advisory committees and councils, value of the to AWCC. tribal councils and local communities contributions to the ♦ ….and many other individuals and organizations! project. Thank you UAF and Carlile!