I don't think I have enough knowledge to prioritize reintroduction of the American bison but the experts seem to be doing a spectacular job considering the bison is no longer nearing extinction. The Intertribal Bison Cooperative (IBC) represents 51 Native American tribes and 16 states with a common mission "to restore bison to Indian nations in a manner that is compatible with their spiritual and cultural beliefs and practices." I think if the IBC is allowed to continue their mission without push back from the USDA and industrial cattle farming, the bison and the ecosystems of their ranges will flourish.
Considering the bison roamed from northern Canada well into South America and from eastern California to western Pennsylvania in the early 1800s, it would be unrealistic to expect they can be fully restored but at least there will be areas where the American bison roams "free" again. A much smaller herd than the IBC has restored is being nurtured in Illinois and just three years into the 25 year restoration plan, the herd has doubled in size and they are seeing improvements to the prairie and an increase in the rare birds indigenous to the area.
I think these groups have got it right so far.
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