AK HJR32

Urges United States Congress to remove wood bison from protection under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and transfer control of wood bison management in Alaska to the state.

States that Alaska intends to reintroduce approximately 100 wood bison to provide hunting opportunities in rural areas, which is constrained by the current endangered species designation.

Argues that wood bison protected under the Endangered Species Act pose risks to resource development, citing the Donlin Creek mine valued at $70 billion that could be jeopardized if bison wander into the area.

References Canada's declaration under the Species at Risk Act that the proposed wood bison for Alaska are surplus and their loss would not negatively affect Canadian wood bison restoration.

Notes that Alaska's Department of Fish and Game has successfully managed genetically similar plains bison for over 70 years and is capable of managing wood bison under state control.