P.E.I. looking to unload Buffalo Land

The P.E.I. government is looking for proposals from groups interested in taking over the operation of Buffalo Land Provincial Park.

The 40-hectare park, near Wood Islands in the eastern end of the Island, is home to 25 buffalo and has a free day-use area, but it doesn't get much use. The buffalo, a gift from the province of Alberta in 1973, are difficult to see in the summer because they spend most of the time in the shade of the woods.

Tourism Minister Robbie Henderson said the park costs taxpayers between $15,000 and $40,000 a year, depending on circumstances.

"We have to do all the herd health management, making sure that the genetics stay the way they are supposed to. You know, there is fencing, there's a lot of other issues in the operation. It's not just leaving buffalo there and just go ahead and multiply," said Henderson.

"We are looking to see if there are any opportunities that can be had there by other groups running that park [more] effectively and efficiently than we have been able to do at this point."   The province has had some discussions with the Harvey Moore Foundation, a non-profit group in the area that focuses on wildlife. Henderson said it could also be used as a Buffalo ranch.

Henderson expects the request for proposals will go out shortly.