3.2.3

Description: 
We will develop species-specific wildlife management strategies for the three wood bison herds and continue to monitor the populations of muskox, and moose.
Lead Dept: 
ENR
Priority: 
3.2
Status: 
Fulfilled
Restructured COC: 
Economy and Environment
Number: 
3
Deputy Minister Committee: 
Economy and Environment
Background Information: 

COST OF LIVING

Commitment 3.2.3 – We will develop species-specific wildlife management strategies for the three wood bison herds and continue to monitor the populations of muskox, and moose.

Wood bison are found in three populations in the Northwest Territories (NWT): the Mackenzie, Nahanni, and the Slave River Lowlands.

Wood bison are currently listed as a threatened species under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA), and was listed as Threatened under the Species at Risk (NWT) Act in 2017. A Wood Bison Management Strategy for the Northwest Territories 2010-2020 was developed to guide management and conservation of the species in the NWT, and an NWT Wood Bison Recovery Strategy is required now that the species has been listed as a Threatened species. The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is also working with wildlife management partners, Indigenous governments and organizations and community stakeholders to develop herd-specific management plans for the Mackenzie (completed), Nahanni and Slave River Lowlands populations.

The Wood Bison Management Strategy for the Northwest Territories guides the development of management plans for each of the wood bison populations in the NWT. The management plans, developed in partnership with Indigenous Governments and organizations, Wildlife Management Boards and other stakeholders will contain objectives and actions to sustain and recover healthy wood bison in the NWT (milestones 1, 2, 3 and 4).

Related Mandate Commitments:

  • Commitment 3.2.1 - We will develop and implement a multi-year management strategy for barren-ground caribou in the Northwest Territories.
  • Commitment 3.2.2 - We will develop a range plan for boreal caribou in the Northwest Territories.
  • Commitment 3.2.4 - We will develop country food programming to promote opportunities for the consumption of foods such as fish, wildlife, berries, and mushrooms.