Arctic directory March 2021: Bison relocate to Sitkalidak Island with Lynden’s help

Petroleum News

As reported by Lynden News Dec. 8, earlier this year the Alutiiq Tribe of Old Harbor, Alaska, was awarded three bison bulls from Yellowstone National Park to improve the genetic diversity of its Sitkalidak bison herd. The catch: the bison required transport from Montana to Seattle, from Seattle to Anchorage and from Anchorage to Homer Spit. The final destination required a boat ride to Sitkalidak on Kodiak Island.

“I was informed that on special occasions Lynden Transport may transport livestock,” said Cynthia Berns, vice president of community affairs for the Old Harbor Native Corp. “So, I called Paul Friese in Anchorage.”

Paul Friese, vice president of Alaska sales for Lynden Transport, responded to the call with the usual can-do attitude. Gathering all the details, he quickly put the team in motion. Lynden driver Clay Bonty met the FedEx plane in Anchorage, carefully loaded the special 20-foot container containing the three bison and headed to Homer. “This was a very special project,” Paul says. “We were happy to be involved and assist the Alutiiq Tribe.”

The transfer was a historic moment in returning Yellowstone bison to tribal lands. These particular animals are important to tribes because they are the genetically pure descendants of the bison that tribal ancestors lived with. In the case of the Sitkalidak herd, the new bulls will introduce genetic diversity for herd survival.

“Our herd is managed to provide food security for our community of 230 residents and tribal members throughout the state,” Cynthia explained. “In 2017, DNA testing was conducted on the herd, and it was suggested that we integrate new genes into the herd for long-term health and survival.”

The bulls are settled in and doing well.

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