Yukon Flats Wood Bison Soft Release Pen Project Update

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Exciting news about wood bison in Alaska! Alaskans come together to build the Yukon Flats Wood Bison soft release pen ahead of 2027 release. During summer 2026, ADF&G biologists worked with a group of enthusiastic Alaskans to build a 2 acre soft release pen on state lands in the eastern Yukon Flats. Community members from Circle, Fort Yukon, and Chalkyitsik joined the effort, working alongside those who previously helped construct the Lower Tanana River soft release pen in 2024. Wood bison are expected to be transported to the release site in 2027, where they will be held for a short period before being released into the wild. This effort will establish the third free ranging wild wood bison herd in both Alaska and the United States— located in the region where the restoration project was first envisioned 35 years ago. The Yukon Flats contain abundant wet sedge meadows and low snow winters, making it ideal wood bison habitat. This winter, ADF&G biologists are drafting the Yukon Flats Management Plan, based on input from the site-specific planning team. The plan will be available to the public prior to the March 2027 Board of Game meeting.