Submitted Electronically via eRulemaking Portal

We, the Board of Supervisors, of the Mid Yukon Kuskokwim Soil and Water Conservation District, wholeheartedly support the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation’s efforts to reintroduce wood bison into the Innoko River Drainage. The reintroduction of wood bison fits exactly in our efforts to expand alternate red meat production in the MYK region. Eventually, when the herd is allowed to expand and flourish, it would not only allow for a limited harvest, but also has the potential of increasing our local moose population, as has happened in other areas like Yukon Territory where bison have been reintroduced. We understand that the ADF&G had hoped to begin releasing wood bison into the wild in the spring of 2011. The Mid Yukon Kuskokwim Soil and Water Conservation District encourages the Division of Wildlife Conservation to move forward with the final planning for wood bison restoration in the lower Yukon and Innoko River area as quickly as possible, so the necessary details can be worked out to meet this schedule. We applaud the efforts of Randy Rogers, Wildlife Planner, and others in working to make this endeavor a reality. Another foreseeable benefit is the possibility of the reuse of the temporary fencing that will be used to corral the bison, for the reintroduction of other ungulates such as reindeer or musk ox also, into this region. We would like to express our gratitude and applaud the efforts of the Division of Wildlife Conservation’s efforts in this honorable endeavor. Sincerely, Board of Supervisors – Mid Yukon Kuskokwim Soil and Water Conservation District. Kenneth Chase Jerry Peterson Steve Hill Clarence Cutter Louis Mallette District Manager / Coordinator, Herman W. Morgan