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This document was prepared for the owner of a Western-US ranch. Additional material about the biology of the animal and details of its management will be developed later. The ranch name has been removed; the concept is still believed to be sound.
The area has a vital herd of bison. They are an historic treasure and wildland spectacle. They can be an attraction and basis of an ecotourism industry. In number and grazing intensity they can (and will) have profound effects on the entire system .
There are major faunal enterprises within Lasting Forests. The Ranch Concept has a component of intensive management (described next) and several single-species enterprises such as:
These are for-profit, complex enterprises just as is Bison, the name of one of the Ranch enterprises. By analogy with the U.S. football enterprise, the football itself, while essential, is almost irrelevant in the context of the total football enterprise - stadiums, uniforms, food, drink, medical support, travel, etc. The bison, the animal is essential but as imagined, almost irrelevant within the total Bison enterprise.
The herds are intensively managed. They must be to prevent future collapse, for if left as "natural" the population will "boom and bust" (as in mining) and the "bust" period is intolerable for the land, other natural systems, and the people dependent on them. The bison, once migratory, once allowing grasslands to recover their intense herd grazing pressure, are no longer migratory. They cannot be easily herded. They must be carefully studied and regular removal made under conditions that support all aspects of the Ranch Concept.
A variety of activities similar to those described and listed under Deer Group will not be repeated here. Select elements of the enterprise that are designed collectively to produce profit or a break-even management of this important resource and tourist/visitor/guest attraction.
Monographs on the herd, its nutrition, and range management
This enterprise creates a special ecotourism destination. It maintains facility occupancy, allows uses of other enterprise services (e.g., Prospectors, The Fishery, The Owl Group). "After you've seen some, you've seen them all" may be the reaction of some people and satisfaction will only come from diverse experiences in a short period.
A complex research plan will be available and tax-reducing investment opportunities will be available to visitors and others. These studies will typically support a comprehensive bison ecology and Bison economics model.
Range management is centered in the staff of this enterprise.
Fencing will be required in select areas and the fencing group in Bison may, after further development, become a singular enterprise working with new fence, new fence products made from local tools, new designs, repellents, range-survey multi-dimensional animal exclosures, and esthetically correct fences.
The Bison requires sensitivity to (1) a feeling of historical correctness, and (2) modern sophisticated resource management. Typically, these will be separated in "place." The range, animals, rancher, cowboy will be authentic "wild west." The tour guides are instructors will present the clear, crisp, informed version of control and authority. Skits or special enactments will be done in proper dress.
Special annual events, parade, barbecue, dances, music, exhibits, sales of outdoor equipment will be sponsored by this group. It will have a strong bison theme.
Research projects of a basic nature will be sought on:
The majority of the prepared studies is the future are to gain information for a continually improving forest and range ecosystem, model, one with the bison as a key component - but one competing with - but one competing with elk and deer and supplying calves as food to predators.
Cost-effectiveness of Bison is gained is gained from other enterprises such as marketing, security, and writers camps. A dynamic herd GIS map (equivalent to flying over an area) will show managers and visitors how the herds move over the Ranch, splitting and coalescing over many years. Interesting in itself, the map will be the basis for assuring tourists success in viewing animals as well as the basis for dynamic rangeland inventory and strategies to balance the population with available high-quality forage, a protected soil resource, and a superior fishery.
Visitor tours of observation points
Visitor motorized tours
Visitor night-vision aided tours coordinated with lunar phases
Meat sales
Hide sales
Craft and art sales (bison related)
Photography opportunities
Newsletter
Membership in Nature Folks
Veterinary work (brucellosis is a special concern)
Publications on the entomology of the bison (ectoparasite relations and animal health)
Paid use of blinds
Snow-sled rides to winter herds
Research
Range management software
Other publications such as those about the buffalo people, poetry, tall tales, history.
Horn-antler comparisons related to horns as regulators of brain temperature
Rumen fluids as an in vitro digestive standard
Bison strategies for handling tannins and phenolics, chemicals inhibiting digestion in other animals.
The survival values of the "hump" and "under chin" anatomical structures.
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Giles, Jr.
Last revision January 17, 2000.