Bison Roam Highlands Ranch Prairie After 150 Years

After a 150-year absence, bison are once again grazing in Colorado's Highlands Ranch Backcountry Wilderness Area. A collaborative conservation initiative seeks to restore the prairie habitat and understand the crucial ecological functions of these animals.

The Daniels Park bison herd, overseen by Denver Mountain Parks, will undertake seasonal grazing across approximately 150 acres of the wilderness area. This project is designed to promote ecological restoration and conservation, studying the vital role bison play in maintaining healthy grasslands.

Bison are recognized as a keystone species, with their grazing patterns contributing to diverse plant communities, improved soil health, and increased grassland resilience. Their reintroduction marks a significant step toward restoring historical ecological processes that once shaped the Great Plains.

The 7,000-acre conservation landscape provides an ideal setting for this project, balancing habitat protection with education and managed recreation. The effort also highlights the historic connection between bison, grasslands, and Indigenous cultures, offering visitors learning opportunities.