Examination of participant perceptions in the public participation process: wood bison restoration project in Alaska, United States

After 170 years of statewide extinction, wood bison were reintroduced to the state of Alaska in spring 2015. Public participation initiatives are not often employed in wildlife reintroduction efforts, often leading to future... [ view full abstract ]

After 170 years of statewide extinction, wood bison were reintroduced to the state of Alaska in spring 2015. Public participation initiatives are not often employed in wildlife reintroduction efforts, often leading to future conflict regarding the management of the animal. However, the Alaska Wood Bison Management Plan was created through a collaborative problem solving process using an applied human dimensions facilitated workshop approach. Although consensus was reached by all groups on the management plan suggesting a successful engagement process, we examined this process from the participant’s perspective by documenting their views about the planning process. The Alaska wood bison management plan was created by a working group with representatives from local communities, regional population centers, landowners, Alaska Native interests, wildlife conservation interests including hunting organizations, industry and state and federal agencies. We evaluated this public participation process using four criteria: fairness, representativeness, effectiveness and efficiency. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with each wood bison management plan team member that explored issues quantitatively and qualitatively. All participants were asked to participate in an interview in person or in several cases by telephone and complete a quantitative set of items. All workshop representatives (n = 42) participated in the study. Respondents reported positive opinions toward the participation process, particularly toward the effectiveness criteria. Results indicate that overall participants were very strongly positive toward the skillful design of the workshops, objective facilitation and held the belief that this involvement process should be used for similar management initiatives. Specific qualitative highlights included pride on behalf of the representatives for their roles, admiration for the team reaching a consensus despite the diverse interest groups that were present, and the optimism for the future of the wood bison in Alaska. Understanding the success of this public participation project and which criterion outscored others provides a foundation for future initiatives in which a public participation approach is used and also allows managers to reflect upon the success of the Alaskan wood bison reintroduction initiative from the representatives’ perspective.