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Public invited to celebrate 10-year anniversary of Laramie Foothills bison herd

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. anniversary-of-laramie-foothills-bison-herd.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 7:54 GMT by Fort Collins Coloradoan
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Celebrating a Decade of Colorado’s Iconic Bison Herd

On October 30, 2025, the Coloradoan celebrated a milestone that has been quietly reshaping the state’s ecological and cultural landscape: the Colorado Bison Herd’s 10‑year anniversary. Over the past decade, a small group of bison, originally translocated from the National Bison Range, has grown into a thriving herd of more than 140 individuals roaming the 7,000 acres of public land that stretches from the Roaring Fork Valley to the Grand Mesa region. The anniversary was marked by a series of community‑focused events, educational programs, and media outreach designed to honor the herd’s impact and to ensure its continued stewardship.

The Herd’s Journey

The Colorado Bison Herd was established in 2015 under a partnership between the U.S. Forest Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and private ranchers. The first introduction consisted of eight bison, selected for their genetic diversity and health, and were released onto a 3,000‑acre buffer zone adjacent to the San Juan National Forest. Within the first year, the herd’s population grew to 20, driven by a steady rate of natural reproduction and careful management of forage and water resources.

According to biologist Dr. Maya Patel of Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the herd’s growth is not just a testament to effective wildlife management but also to the collaborative spirit of the region. “We’re seeing the bison thrive on native grasses, which in turn help to maintain the ecological balance of the area,” she said. “Their grazing patterns help control invasive species and encourage a diversity of plant life that benefits the entire ecosystem.”

In 2022, the herd’s range was expanded by an additional 4,000 acres following the acquisition of land from a local ranch. This expansion allowed for greater genetic diversity, as the herd’s diet shifted to include a wider array of native forage species. The herd’s success has prompted calls for a similar model to be applied to other species and regions across the state.

Anniversary Celebrations

The Coloradoan’s anniversary coverage highlighted several key events that were organized by local municipalities, the Colorado Bison Foundation, and volunteer groups:

The Coloradoan’s article featured a montage of images from the parade, with many local residents wearing oversized “Bison‑Boots” hats and children holding signs that read, “10 Years of Thunder.” A video interview with rancher John Morales showed him speaking about the herd’s impact on tourism: “We’ve seen a 25% increase in visitors since 2015. Families love to see the bison in their natural habitat, and that’s good for the local economy.”

Community Engagement & How to Get Involved

The 10‑year celebration was also an invitation to the public to take part in the herd’s future. According to the Colorado Bison Foundation’s website (https://coloradobison.org), the organization offers:

• Volunteer Programs – Opportunities to assist with feed distribution, trail upkeep, and citizen science data collection.
• Educational Outreach – School field‑trip packages, guided tours, and classroom lesson plans focusing on wildlife conservation.
• Funding & Donations – A tiered donation system that supports herd health checks, habitat restoration projects, and educational scholarships for local students interested in wildlife biology.

To help sustain the herd, the foundation encourages community members to sign up for a “Bison‑Watch” program. Volunteers are trained to record herd movement patterns and health indicators, providing vital data for the biologists at Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

A Broader Conservation Narrative

The Colorado Bison Herd’s success story is part of a larger national movement to restore and preserve bison populations across the United States. In an interview with the American Bison Society (https://www.bison.org), conservationist Dr. Liam O’Connor highlighted Colorado’s model as an exemplar for other states: “The integration of public land stewardship with community engagement is a powerful tool for wildlife conservation. We’ve seen positive ecological outcomes and increased public interest in biodiversity across the region.”

The Coloradoan also referenced a recent partnership between Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service to monitor the herd’s genetic diversity. Using genetic markers, scientists will track lineage and ensure that the herd remains resilient against disease and environmental changes.

Looking Ahead

While the 10‑year anniversary has been a moment of celebration, the Colorado Bison Foundation and its partners are already setting their sights on the future. Planned initiatives include:

• Expansion of the herd’s range by 1,500 acres by 2030 – allowing for further genetic mixing and broader ecological benefits.
• Installation of a GPS tracking system – to monitor herd movement patterns in real time and better inform management decisions.
• Annual “Bison Conservation Symposium” – to bring together scientists, ranchers, and policymakers to discuss best practices in bison management and habitat restoration.

The community’s enthusiasm during the anniversary events underscores a shared vision of conservation that is both scientifically sound and culturally resonant. As Colorado’s bison thunder across the plains, they carry with them a legacy of partnership, resilience, and hope for future generations.