Bison to return to Kankakee Sands

 

Plans for bison at Kankakee Sands presented
 
By GREGORY MYERS
nceeditor@centurylink.net
 
The Nature Conservancy is preparing to reintroduce Bison to the area this fall. Tony Capizzo, land steward with The Nature Conservancy, spoke about the plans at the Kentland Rotary Club meeting Feb. 1.
Capizzo stated that plans are to add 15 bison to land owned by The Nature Conservancy. The herd will be fenced in to 1,000 acres near The Nature Conservancy office at Kankakee Sands.
“Over time we believe the herd will grow to about 40 to 50 animals and will have a trail on Bogus Island so visitors can see the bison,” said Capizzo.
Capizzo added that the bison are being brought to the area as an ecological tool for The Nature Conservancy.
“Bison are very grass specific and we are using them to meet certain ecological targets,” said Capizzo.
A 5-foot tall woven wire fence will contain the bison with a single hot wire inside and a barbed top.
Capizzo did not know the voltage that is being planned, but many fence experts suggest voltage of 3,000 – 4,000 volts is needed for bison.