Nebraska university land sale threatens prairie dog colony
CRETE, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska university has sold land used as a prairie dog research lab to neighboring farmers who plan to get rid of the animal colony.
Doane University's Board of Trustees sold the 320-acre plot last month for $2.6 million to the Lovegrove family, whose farming operation surrounds it. The board will return the proceeds to its endowment, the Lincoln Journal Star reported .
Maureen Franklin, Doane's former vice president for academic affairs, said she thinks the university should have done more to save the colony, which is part of the Fillmore County land gifted by an alumna 18 years ago.