Sustainable Resource Development

Bison fences balance resource needs

Fencing guidelines for bison on Alberta public lands—with wildlife and access in mind

New fencing guidelines will help manage bison grazing without limiting access for wildlife or recreationists.

In cooperation with Sustainable Resource Development, the University of Calgary has developed a brochure to assist bison ranchers in selecting a wildlife-friendly fence design. Bison, like cattle, can now be grazed on some public land, but the operator must meet certain conditions that ensure wildlife will not be disrupted and recreational access for Albertans will still be available.

Stakeholders representing the following interests helped develop the guidelines:

• bison industry
• wildlife managers
• rangeland managers
• environmental and conservation groups
• hunting community
• fencing experts

"The process followed to develop the bison fencing guidelines included many interests, and provided equal opportunities for participants to share knowledge, learn, and discuss fencing design options. The resulting guidelines represent a synthesis of the best available information about containing bison while providing for wildlife movements," said Dr. Cormack Gates with the Faculty of Environmental Design at the University of Calgary .

The bison fencing brochure is available by contacting the Bison Centre at 780-986-4100, or online at:
http://www.bisoncentre.com.
Copies can also be obtained from the local Rangeland Management Agrologist's office.

For more information on bison grazing on public land, visit:
http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/land/pdf/Bison_Grazing_2006.pdf