CANADIAN BISON INDUSTRY November 2017 Canadian Bison Association 1

The Opportunities Grow commercial bison herd in response to strong consumer demand Bison Industry works with public and NGO conservation community to grow herds in Canada and United States Joint research projects Establish Substantial Goals for Herd Growth

Bison 1 Million by 2027 Goal will require a collaborative commitment among private ranchers, public herd managers, tribal leaders, conservationists, government agencies and other stakeholders in the United States and Canada.

The Numbers Late 1800 less than 1,000 bison Today almost 400,000 bison in commercial, conservation, public , NGO, and display herds 2027 – 1,000,000 in North America

What’s Required Goal will require a collaborative commitment among private ranchers, public herd managers, tribal leaders, conservationists, government agencies and other stakeholders in the United States and Canada.

The Plan Ranchers, public herd managers must all develop a game plan for their individual roles. Incentives for young and beginning bison ranchers; Expanded access to federal grazing lands for bison production and ecosystem restoration; Incentives for expansion of tribal/First Nation herds for tribal/First Nation and commercial markets; Restoration of bison in federal and state/provincial parks located in regions that were part of the historic bison habitat. Expanded live bison transfers from public parks to tribal/First Nation groups and ranchers; and Expanded learning opportunities for sustainable bison production and stewardship.

Next Steps Establish Bison Building Team of various stakeholders Inventory present activities and Plans Establish targets for each growth unit Begin implementation Share successes Measure progress and report results