Clint Sampson, a wildlife biologist, presented the Book Cliffs bison management plan and explained why the committee proposes splitting the management area into subunits to better match herd movements and hunting opportunity. “My name is Clint Sampson. I’m a wildlife biologist in the area of the state,” he said, then described two herd types: a resident Bitter Creek group and a migratory herd that appears seasonally in the wilderness area.

Sampson said the recommended change would create separate objectives for Bitter Creek and for the Little Creek/roadless area, allowing managers to provide better hunt opportunities and adapt to herd movement. He also noted committee participation and that two listed committee members were unable to attend some meetings; the members present reached consensus on recommendations.

RAC members asked about predicted impacts of increasing population objectives (an example discussed was raising an overall objective from about 450 to about 650), distribution effects and coordination with adjacent jurisdictions. Sampson said the plan anticipates gradual growth with monitoring to adapt as the population changes.

A motion to accept the Book Cliffs bison management plan as presented was moved, seconded and recorded as passing unanimously. The division will now carry the recommendation forward to the wildlife board for formal adoption and implementation planning.