Commissioners, FHSU discuss buffalo
By KAREN MIKOLS
Where will the buffalo roam?
The question surfaced during Thursday night's Hays City Commission meeting as the commission discussed swapping land with Fort Hays State University.
The university suggested a swap: 13 of the city's acres for 10 of the university's acres.
"Our interest is obvious in the space for a soccer field," said Mike Barnett, vice president for administration and finance for FHSU. "It solves a couple problems as far as access and allows some expansion, which is part of the reason we're interested in it."
City Attorney John T. Bird said the swap would be complicated because the city is leasing land from the state for the buffalo enclosure, and the university manages their acres for the state.
"We probably will need at least gubernatorial approval," Bird said. "We have different leases with restrictions on subleasing."
Director of Parks Jeff Boyle said the university might have restrictions on the land where the buffalo currently reside.
"It's within 500 feet of a known historical spot," he said.
Commissioners expressed interest in pursuing the option but were insistent the buffalo herd would remain a part of the city.
"I think the buffalo are a legacy," Commissioner Troy Hickman said.
Mayor Barbara Wasinger said relocating the buffalo could be an expensive proposition.
"We need to get better numbers on what it would cost if we do move the buffalo," said Assistant City manager Mark Loughry.
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