Bison could come to Minneopa State Park

Elizabeth Dunbar
St. Paul, Minn.
Bison
This March 13 ,2014 photo shows the large prairie area of Minneopa State Park near Mankato, Minn. Minneopa State Park's expansive prairie could become home to a bison herd if approved by the Department of Natural Resources following a public comment period. "If we get bison, it would increase our prairie management efforts (at Minneopa)," said Molly Tranel Nelson, regional resource specialist for parks and trails. "And we want to increase opportunities for visitors. It would allow visitors to have that experience and interpretation, to see a little of what the area looked like prior to settlement." Most importantly, the effort would help expand and protect genetically pure bison.
Pat Christman/AP, The Mankato Free Press

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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is considering bringing bison to Minneopa State Park in Mankato.

Blue Mounds State Park near Luverne has had bison since 1961, but the park is running out of space for the herd of 100 -- unique because its genetic makeup is among the most pure in North America.

The DNR has worked with the Minnesota Zoo to preserve and expand the herd, and DNR officials said Minneopa State Park would be a good place to add a second group of bison.

Bison have been on North America's prairies since the end of the last ice age but were almost wiped out in the mid-1800s, said DNR naturalist Alex Watson.

"And so we have an opportunity here in Minnesota to be part of a national movement to conserve wild bison type DNA, and it's just a real thrill and exciting to be able to bring such an enigmatic large animal back from almost extinction," Watson said.

The plan is still a ways from becoming reality. The DNR will release its formal plan next month, followed by a public comment period.

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