Dakota County Parks

Bison Program Infodex 2026

Bison Paddock Details:

Spring Lake Park Reserve - Fahey Trailhead

13690 Pine Bend Trail

Rosemount, MN 55068

Click here for the bison paddock's info page and map listed on the county's website. 

Code for Archery Shed/Bison Materials: 79231 

Main Program Courses:

2026 Bison Training & Refresher: https://youtu.be/DqKCu0HLofI

E-bike Training Video: https://youtu.be/RhP2yHaUPEA

Tent Tutorial: https://youtu.be/JC6KDJULYZo

Bison Schedule Shift Sign Up Tutorial: https://youtu.be/UhXEPNlqsZ0

Emergency Management Plan: Please review to learn what to do during adverse weather conditions, unexpected situations while out in the field, etc.

Bison Program Handbook: Review the handbook for useful program information. 

Additional Learning:

DNR Webinar Bison Tatanka Conservation in MN - 1 hour presentation about importance of bison in indigenous culture and more information about the MN Conservation Herd.

On the Trail of the North American Buffalo interactive story map that details the history of bison in North America.

NPR Article from November 2022 about the Bison reintroduction project in Dakota County.

Spring Lake Park Reserve Master Plan this document is a deep dive into the history, ecology and restoration efforts of the park. Written by the Natural Resources department.

Prairie Violet Reintroduction Great River Greening (GRG) article about the importance of the Prairie Violet on the Regal Fritillary population.  

T-shirts:

• If you need a t-shirt, please contact Angie and she will arrange a shirt to be available for pickup in the bison shed during your next shift. 

Binoculars:

• Here is a quick video about how to adjust your binoculars in detail.

Better Impact: 

• Use Better Impact to sign up for your shifts, track your hours, and complete your shift assessments.
• We recommend you download the Better Impact app (My Impact) to your phone for easy account access. Find basic instructions and download the app through this link.  
• If you are having trouble using Better Impact, please contact Garrett Zaffke at garrett.zaffke@co.dakota.mn.us as he manages this website and portal.

Questions? Feel free to reach out to us at any time for assistance. We want you to have a great experience with this program, so don't hesitate to ask for help! 

Angie Tomlinson

Email: angela.tomlinson@co.dakota.mn.us

Work: 651.554.6533

Cell: 763.257.4714

Meagan Keefe

Email: meagan.keefe@co.dakota.mn.us

Work: 651.554.6534

Cell: 919.349.5845

Garrett Zaffke

Email: garrett.zaffke@co.dakota.mn.us

Cell: 218.831.9602