Range Unit 24 on the Wind River Reservation is a 17,000-acre expanse of grasslands, historically vital to the Arapaho people and buffalo. It is in the process of being converted from a Tribal cattle grazing unit to a Tribal buffalo habitat. Over the next year, the project will aim to complete fencing on Range Unit 24 to transition family groups of buffalo that are already on the Reservation. In the next two to five years, the focus will be on expanding the herd to 500, monitoring ecological impacts, and enhancing community engagement. The Arapaho Tribe, working closely with WRTBI and the Eastern Shoshone buffalo herd managers, will lead all aspects of the project.
Successful buffalo restoration will enhance climate resiliency by improving grassland carbon sequestration soil health and increasing plant and animal biodiversity. Restoring buffalo here revitalizes ancestral ecosystems, reversing degradation and re-establishing native flora and fauna. This project increases connectivity by expanding the buffalo’s range, linking fragmented habitats within the Wind River Reservation. Restored buffalo herds will also attract ecocultural tourism, supporting local businesses through guided tours and educational programs. Returning buffalo to the landscape provides wildlife viewing opportunities that enhance outdoor recreation.
