Restoring Alaska's Giants: The Wood Bison with ADF&G & Alaska BHA

Event Start Date: 1/14/2026 6:00 PM

Event End Date: 1/14/2026 8:00 PM

Timezone: AKST

Join the Alaska Chapter of BHA at Black Spruce Brewing Co. with guests from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game's Luke Rollie Rogers for an in-depth look at one of Alaska’s most ambitious wildlife restoration efforts:  The restoration of wood bison (Bison bison athabascae) to Interior Alaska.

Wood bison once ranged widely across Alaska’s sedge meadows and boreal forests before disappearing by the early 20^th century. After decades of planning and collaboration with partners and local communities, ADF&G is taking major steps toward bringing these iconic grazers back to their native landscape. In 2025, the new wild Lower Tanana Wood Bison Herd was established on the Minto Flats State Game Refuge, where animals were released into the wild using a carefully designed soft-release methodology. The Lower Tanana release builds on lessons learned from the Lower Yukon-Innoko herd restored in 2015 and reflects years of field research, habitat assessment, and community engagement. 

ADF&G staff will share the history, science, and logistics behind wood bison restoration in Alaska. Additionally, biologists will provide an update on current planning efforts to establish a third Alaska wood bison herd in the Yukon Flats and explore what these efforts mean for long-term wood bison conservation and the future for Alaska’s wildlife and our wild landscapes.   

Adding a visual dimension to the evening, the event will also feature the work of Mark Lindberg*, whose photography has documented the wood bison restoration effort from behind the scenes. Mark’s images capture the scale, care, and complexity of the project. from hands-on fieldwork to the quiet, awe-inspiring moments of release — offering a rare glimpse into conservation in action.

🎟️ Special Event Raffle:
Attendees will have the opportunity to enter a raffle for a one-of-a-kind metal print of one of Mark Lindberg’s wood bison photographs. This unique piece showcases the beauty and significance of the project and makes a striking, meaningful keepsake for wildlife and conservation supporters.

Whether you’re interested in wildlife biology, conservation success stories, photography, or Alaska’s natural heritage, this presentation offers a compelling and timely look at the return of one of North America’s most iconic mammals.

*Mark Lindberg is also the Conservation Policy Chair for the Alaska Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.