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As officials work toward bringing bison back to Banff National Park by 2017, a wildlife expert suggests the plan creates a glorified game farm.

The federal government announced a $6.4-million plan to reintroduce 30 to 50 plains bison to the iconic park at a news conference earlier this month.

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They will first be brought to a paddock in the backcountry, before being released into a 425-square kilometre, partially fenced area on the eastern edge of the park later that spring.

It was immediately praised by First Nations and conservation groups, but opposition to the plan is growing.

“It’s been a one-sided debate,” said Lu Carbyn, a retired research scientist and professor at the University of Alberta. “It seems to be a slam dunk, and I think we should be looking at all ramifications.

“Ecologically, if we are trying to restore a system, then we are not doing a very good job because not all parts of the jigsaw puzzle are going to be in place.”