HARRISON COUNTY, MO — Interested in the return of bison to Missouri? A public tour at the Dunn Ranch Prairie has been announced for Sept. 15, 2012. A tour group can include up to 40 people, and site manager Randy Arndt says about 20 tour spaces are already taken.
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A herd of 37 bison were introduced here last October from South Dakota, a herd now grown to 44. The tour will put visitors on benches on a wagon to see the bison enclosed in a 1,250-acre fenced area. The tour will begin at 10:30 a.m.; a second tour at 1:30 p.m. may also be scheduled if interest merits. Those interested should preregister by calling 660-867-3866 before Sept. 8th.
The Nature Conservancy has worked to restore the 4,183-acre Dunn Ranch Prairie in Harrison County for over a decade. Native reseedings, tree removal, invasive species control, and prescribed fires have produced dramatic results on the prairie. Today the site boasts more than 300 native plant species, thriving populations of native birds, and now – after more than 160 years – the iconic American Bison.
There are over 400,000 bison in public and private herds in the United States, but the herd at Dunn Ranch Prairie is unusual because it is one of only eight herds in the country that have not been crossbred with cattle (based on standard genetic testing).
The Conservancy has more than 25 years of experience in bison management. All bison are routinely vaccinated and tested for disease. The Nature Conservancy is a private, nonprofit organization; the bison reintroduction is funded through foundations and individual contributions. For photos, video, or to learn how you can visit Dunn Ranch Prairie, go to nature.org/missouribison.