The Federal government is coming up with a new project, Canada's National Conservation Plan. Under this project, the government will spend $6.4 million over five years.

With this project, the government aims to 'restore ecological integrity and connect Canadians with nature'. As part of the project, a small herd of plains bison will be reintroduced in Banff National Park.

Bison are missing from the park since the park's establishment. Plain bison is an important species, as it once played an important role in the park's monotone ecosystem. Under the project, Parks Canada will invite First Nations to share their knowledge about the animals and to take part in stewardship, management and celebrations.

Programs will be held in which students and volunteers will participate in bison research, monitoring and stewardship activities. Over the next five years, the Harper government has committed $6.4M for the initiative that would see the returns of plains bison to the park.

It's been almost 140 years that plan bison are absent from the park. "Our Government is taking action to protect our rich natural heritage for all Canadians now and in the future. Successfully restoring this keystone species in Banff will allow visitors, neighbours and the public at large to experience an authentic national park experience", said Blake Richard, Member of Parliament for Wild Rose.

Richard said 30 to 50 young, one to two years old bison and equal sex ratio will be introduced. The announcement is part of a $2B National Conservation Plan, which aims to update national parks and historic sites in the country.

Initially, the bison will be kept in a test paddock and they will be introduced from a herd that lives on Elk Island National Park.