DEPARTMENT: Parks
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Donate And Transfer Two Bison To Minnesota Department Of Natural Resources
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the donation and transfer of two bison to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
SUMMARY
Eight bison cows were reintroduced to Spring Lake Park Reserve in the fall of 2022 at no cost to the County. Dakota County joined the Minnesota Bison Conservation Herd (MBCH), the goal of which is to establish a statewide bison herd of 500 animals to ensure the herd's long-term sustainability. Dakota County's bison are a part of the statewide herd.
Seven of those first bison came from Minnesota State Parks, and one came from the Zollman Zoo. Four male calves were born in the spring of 2023 and would have been approaching breeding age in 2025. By Resolution No. 24-427 (August 27, 2024), the Dakota County Board authorized the donation and transfer of those four male bison to the DNR, which did occur in the fall of 2024.
A female bison, from Minneopa State Park, joined the Dakota County herd in Fall 2023. That bison gave birth to a male calf in the Spring of 2024. That calf will approach breeding age during the 2026 breeding season. To prevent the possible mating with familial females in the herd and to help keep the MBCH genetically healthy, this male must be removed during the management day, scheduled for October 1, 2025. In addition, the mother will also be removed for two reasons: To reduce the herd size in anticipation of the arrival of a bull to mate with the remaining females and to reduce the travel stress on her calf.
The Dakota County Board has the authority to transfer the bison to another public corporation under Minn. Stat. ? 471.85, which states, "Any county, city, town, or school district may transfer its personal property for a nominal or without consideration to another public corporation for public use when duly authorized by its governing body."
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