Bison Grazing on Public Land
Introduction
Legislative amendments took place to provide bison producers
with an opportunity to raise bison on some public lands. Making certain public
lands available for bison grazing provides bison producers with an option
the cattle industry already enjoys. Providing this opportunity to the bison
industry is consistent with Sustainable Resource Development’s commitment
to provide access to long-term, secure grazing for agricultural users.
Bison grazing on public land will take place on fenced agricultural lands
already identified and allocated for long-term grazing use.
Sustainable Resource Development will review applications based on the government’s
multiple use approach to public land management and on commitments to Albertans,
including the cattle industry, that bison grazing would not increase the
risk of disease.
Bison operators who wish to have their animals graze on public land will
be required to develop a management plan.
Where does it apply?
The program applies across the province with the exception of the area north
of township 95, west of the Peace River and north of township 88, east of
the Peace River.
Management Plans
Bison operators will be required to develop a management plan to address
good range management practices, accommodation of multiple uses and the
use of wildlife-permeable fencing (Fencing
Guidelines for Bison on Alberta Public Lands).
For bison grazing, as with other livestock, continuous (year-round) grazing
will not be permitted on public land due to adverse impacts on the range
resource.
Once a management plan has been approved, authorization for bison grazing
can be given on an agricultural disposition.
Current disposition holders
interested in applying for bison grazing on agricultural public land
need to contact their local agrologist
at one
of the offices listed in the website link below:
http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/land/c_1.html
OR contact:
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
Lands Division
Rangeland Management Branch
4th Floor, 9920 – 108 Street
Great West Life Building,
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2M4
Telephone: (780) 427-3595
To avoid long distance charges within Alberta, you may either call your
local long distance operator and ask for a RITE operator, or call 310-0000,
a
local toll-free number. |
