In 1896 Howard Douglas was appointed superintendent of Rocky Mountain Park (later named Banff National Park). He was promoted to Commissioner of National Parks in the West in 1911 which necessitated his move to Edmonton in 1909. During his term of office Jasper National Park, Elk Island National Park, Wainwright and Waterton Lakes National Park were opened. Douglas also arranged for the purchase and transfer of the Michael Pablo herd of bison from the state of Montana.
