How to Establish a Buffalo Refuge

Few people in our country are aware of the plight of our buffalo. After being hunted to near extinction for many years, the buffalo are roaming once again. However, even with the intervention of the national park service, the buffalo need more help in order to continue to roam, freely. Start a buffalo refuge and help save the buffalo.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Business license
• Non-profit incorporation
• 501(c)(3) status
• Insurance
• Sufficient land
• Supplies
• Equipment
• Buffalo

Planning

1. Contact your local government and state Agriculture Department to obtain the licenses and permits that you need. Review the zoning laws in your area to find a suitable, legal location for the refuge.
2. Establish a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization for your buffalo refuge and register with your state's incorporation office, usually the Secretary of State. Recruit board members who can assist the organization with mission, vision and fundraising.
3. Complete the application for tax-exempt status at the IRS, so that you can accept tax-free contributions for your buffalo refuge.
4. Visit other animal refuges and local natural habitat zoos to get tips and ideas. The sanctuary retreat website is a good place to start (see Resources below).
5. Write a non-profit business plan and operations management plan. Create a five-year strategic plan and annual budgets for the refuge's operations. Consider meeting with local community leaders to hear their concerns and to establish problem-solving procedures.
6. Develop a fundraising plan to generate the funds required. Explore operating a social enterprise for profit to make the refuge self-sustaining.
7. Determine staff needed to start refuge operations and for temporary coverage during leaves and absences. Recruit staff and volunteers, if needed.

Operating

8. Purchase or solicit sufficient land to establish the refuge and to accommodate future expansion. Farms and refuges already in operation range from several to hundreds of acres, depending on regulations and herd size.
9. Identify key suppliers for regular purchasing needs. Negotiate volume discounts, delivery schedules and payment arrangements. Locate service providers, including a veterinarian.
10. Select an insurance carrier and purchase coverage for the organization, the facility and the key staff (directors and officers).
11. Review all operating procedures, management plan and cash flow plans. Train staff, as needed.
12. Publish press releases for education, publicity and fundraising.
13. Buy supplies and equipment for the refuge. Your equipment needs are determined by applicable regulations for your location, along with any additional services or activities that you identified in your operations plan.
14. Find buffalo and purchase your initial herd. Arrange transportation for transfer to the refuge.

Tips & Warnings

• It is often easier to get tax-exempt status from the IRS before the organization starts to expend funds on a project.
• Take animal husbandry classes, if necessary.